Structure and Function of the Immune System Publisher



Sadeghalvad M^{1, 2, 3} ; Mohammadimotlagh HR⁴ ; Rezaei N^{1, 2, 3} Show Affiliations
Source: Encyclopedia of Infection and Immunity Published:2022

Abstract

The immune system is made up of cells and molecules that protect the host body from harmful stimuli and keep the body in a state of homeostasis. The immune system's components respond in a coordinated and comprehensive manner, resulting in the emergence of an “immune response.” There are two types of immunity: innate and adaptive immune systems. The initial line of defense against infections is the innate immune system, which responds rapidly to stimuli. The adaptive immune system identifies antigens more specifically than the innate immune system and can produce memory cells which have the ability to react quickly to pathogens in the second encounter. In this chapter, we sought to present the fundamental principles of the immune system, covering the key components of lymphoid organs, immune system structure, innate and adaptive immunity, as well as the basic effective functions of the immune system to pathogen eradication. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.