An introduction to immunology and immunopathology

Authors

Richard Warrington, University of Manitoba
Wade Watson, Dalhousie University
Harold L. Kim, The University of Western Ontario
Francesca R. Antonetti, University of Rome, Rome, Italy

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-10-2011

Journal

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology

Volume

7

Issue

Suppl 1

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1710-1492-7-S1-S1

Abstract

In basic terms, the immune system has two lines of defense: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is the first immunological, non-specific (antigen-independent) mechanism for fighting against an intruding pathogen. It is a rapid immune response, occurring within minutes or hours after aggression, that has no immunologic memory. Adaptive immunity, on the other hand, is antigen-dependent and antigen-specific; it has the capacity for memory, which enables the host to mount a more rapid and efficient immune response upon subsequent exposure to the antigen. There is a great deal of synergy between the adaptive immune system and its innate counterpart, and defects in either system can provoke illness or disease, such as autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency disorders and hypersensitivity reactions. This article provides a practical overview of innate and adaptive immunity, and describes how these host defense mechanisms are involved in both health and illness.