articleAllergy Asthma and Clinical ImmunologyNov 10, 2011GOLD OA

An introduction to immunology and immunopathology

Exchange Income (Canada) · University of Manitoba · +5 more institutions

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdoajpubmed

Abstract

Beyond structural and chemical barriers to pathogens, the immune system has two fundamental lines of defense: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is the first immunological mechanism for fighting against an intruding pathogen. It is a rapid immune response, initiated 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…

Citation impact

598
total citations
FWCI
0.87
Percentile
100%
References
13
Citations per year

Authors

4

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Immunology
  • Acquired immune system
  • Innate immune system
  • Immunity
  • Immune system
  • Antigen
  • Immunopathology
  • Disease
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
No related works found for this paper.

Funding