What is Immunology? Why is it Important to us?

What is Immunology?

If the immune system is not working properly, it can result in diseases like autoimmunity, allergies and cancer. It is now also becoming clear that immune responses contribute to the development of many common disorders not traditionally viewed as immunological, including metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's.

Why is Immunology Important?

From the pioneering work of Edward Jenner in the 18th century, which would eventually lead to vaccination in its modern form (an innovation that probably saved more lives than any other medical advance), many scientists in the 19th and 20th centuries Successes that would lead to, among other things, safe organ transplantation, identification of blood groups, and the now ubiquitous use of monoclonal antibodies in science and healthcare, immunology has changed the face of modern medicine. With ongoing research efforts into immunotherapy, autoimmune diseases and vaccines for emerging pathogens such as Ebola, immunological research continues to expand horizons in our understanding of how to treat important health issues. Advancing our understanding of basic immunology is essential for clinical and commercial application and has facilitated the discovery of new diagnoses and treatments for the management of a wide range of diseases. In addition to the above, with advanced technology, immunological research has provided critically important research techniques and tools, such as flow cytometry and antibody technology.

What is an Immunologist?

An immunologist is a scientist and/or physician specializing in immunology. Many immunologists work in a laboratory focused on research, either in academia or in private industry (for example in the pharmaceutical industry). Other immunologists -- "clinical pediatric immunologists" -- are physicians who focus on the diagnosis and management of diseases of the immune system, such as autoimmune diseases and allergies.

Immune System

Molecular and cellular components make up the immune system. The function of these components is divided into non-specific mechanisms, which are innate to an organism, and reactive responses, which are adapted to specific pathogens. Fundamental or classical immunology involves the study of the components that make up the innate and adaptive immune systems.

Innate immunity is the first line of defense and is non-specific. That is, the responses are the same for all possible pathogens, no matter how different they may be. Innate immunity includes physical barriers (such as skin, saliva, etc.) and cells (such as macrophages, neutrophils, basophils, mast cells, etc.). These components are 'ready to go' and protect an organism for the first few days after infection. In some cases, this is enough to clear the pathogen, but in other cases the first defense is overwhelmed and a second line of defense is triggered.

Adaptive immunity is the second line of defense that involves building a memory of encountered infections in order to enhance a specific response to a pathogen or foreign substance. Adaptive immunity involves antibodies, which typically target free-roaming foreign pathogens in the bloodstream. It also includes T cells, which are specifically directed towards pathogens that contain colonizing cells and can directly kill infected cells or help control the antibody response.