What Is Immunology?
Your immune system is make of physical barriers, chemicals and cells, which all work together to prevent pathogens ("bad guy" microbes) from getting in your body and to evict these invaders if they do get into your body.
The following links will take you articles on different components of the human immune system.
IMMUNE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION
Human Immunology: The Body's Defense System
The human body has many tactics that is employs; continuously working to eliminate potential pathogens from its territory.
Immune System and Cold and Flu Prevention: How to Help the Body Avoid Rhinovirus and Influenza this Season 10/09
Here are some very simple steps that a person can take bolster immune function and avoid getting sick this cold and flu season.
IMMUNOLOGY TOPICS INCLUDE:
HISTORY OF IMMUNOLOGY
Discoveries of Edward Jenner and Louis Pasteur
Louis Pasteur and Attenuated Vaccines
Some of the early discoveries that led to today's vaccines happened almost by chance. The astute observations of Jenner and Pasteur were the foundation of immunology.
NONSPECIFIC IMMUNITY
Our body’s first line of defense includes structures, and chemicals, processes that work to prevent pathogens entering the body. Read more about how the skin and mucous membrane help defend your body from invaders.
Nonspecific Immune Response: First and Second Lines of Defense
The first and second lines of our immune response are nonspecific, meaning they do not target specific invaders, but rather try to protect us in a more general way with barriers, chemicals and cells of the immune system.
Leukocytes:
Leukocytes are white blood cells that can be categorized into one of two groups based on the presence or absence of granules within:
There are two cell types that do their killing extracellularly (outside the cell). These include Natural Killer Lymphocytes (NK cells) and Eosinophils.
The complement system consists of specific proteins circulating in blood plasma. Most are inactive until they are cut by an enzyme and activated. The pattern of sequential activation of complements results in a cascade of events that ultimately protect the body.
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Content
Bauman, R. (2005) Microbiology.
Campbell, N. and Reece, J. (2005) Biology,Seventh Edition.
Park Talaro, K. (2008) Foundations in Microbiology.
Images
Macrophage, National Science Foundation
Neutrophil engulfing anthrax bacteria, Tim Vickers, Wikimedia
