Outline of immunology

Immunology is a branch of biology that covers the study of immune systems in all organisms. It involves the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and diseases; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders (such as autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities, immune deficiency, and transplant rejection); and the physical, chemical, and physiological characteristics of the components of the immune system in vitro, in situ, and in vivo.

Overview

Immunology has its origins in the early 20th century, with the identification of the antibody and the formulation of the germ theory of disease. It has since evolved into a multidisciplinary science that includes the study of the development of the immune system, the cellular and molecular processes that take place during an immune response, the mechanisms that protect the body against pathogens, and the diseases and disorders that can result from abnormalities in the immune system.

Branches of Immunology

• Clinical immunology – study of diseases caused by disorders of the immune system (failure, aberrant action, and malignant growth of the cellular elements of the system). It also involves diseases of other systems, where immune reactions play a part in the pathology and clinical features.
• Developmental immunology – study of how the immune system develops in the embryo.
• Evolutionary immunology – study of the evolution of the immune system.
• Immunogenetics – study of how genetic factors affect the immune system and disease resistance.
• Immunopathology – study of the pathology of the immune system.

See also

• Allergy
• Autoimmunity
• Immunodeficiency
• Immunotherapy
• Transplantation

External links

• British Society for Immunology
• American Association of Immunologists