Molecular Immunology

Molecular Immunology is a branch of biology that focuses on the function and structure of the immune system at a molecular level. It is a multidisciplinary field that involves the study of the immune system, the molecular mechanisms that govern it, and how these mechanisms can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes.

Overview

Molecular Immunology is concerned with the ways in which the immune system recognizes and responds to foreign substances, known as antigens. This involves the study of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the immune response, including the structure and function of antibodies, T cells, and other components of the immune system.

Key Concepts

Antigens

Antigens are substances that can provoke an immune response. They can be proteins, polysaccharides, or other types of molecules. The immune system recognizes antigens as foreign and mounts a response to eliminate them.

Antibodies

Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to an antigen. They bind to the antigen, marking it for destruction by other cells of the immune system.

T cells

T cells are a type of white blood cell that play a central role in the immune response. They can recognize and kill infected cells directly, or they can help to stimulate other parts of the immune system.

Therapeutic Applications

Molecular Immunology has important applications in the development of new therapies for diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of the immune response, scientists can develop strategies to enhance or suppress the immune system as needed.

See Also

• Immunology
• Cellular Immunology
• Immunotherapy