Immune Dysfunction

When the immune system is not capable of protecting the host and it directs in wrong path, then development of diseases and cell death become imminent This is referred as Immune Dysfunction. Manifestations of immune dysfunction are mentioned as below.

• Allergy and asthma
• Autoimmune diseases
• Graft rejection and graft Vs host disease
• Immunological disorders

Allergy and asthma

Allergy and asthma are caused by antigens of animal dander, animal food and plant pollen usually. Charles Richet, in the year 1902, immunized dogs which are infected by a jelly fish type called Physalia. This toxin immunization resulted in fatal development of sub-lethal doses. Vaccinating with toxins and development of protection resulted in development of anaphylaxis. When an antigen is continuously exposed, it can be lethal. Charles Richet was awarded Nobel Prize for his invention of anaphylactic response in the year 1913. In humans, allergy does not result in fatality as they develop antibody against allergic antigen. They may develop symptoms like sneezing, skin irritation, difficult breathing and inflammations.

Autoimmune diseases

When an individual is not capable of recognizing self and non self, then, it is deemed that the host cells responsible for cognizance are attacked.. This is referred as autoimmune disease. It can lead to a number of chronic diseases and so, either tissues or organs are attacked. For instance, multiple sclerosis is a neural brain autoimmune disorder(Autoimmune disorder resulting in partial or total paralysis ), Crohn’s disease of gut and rheumatoid arthritis of leg joints and bones. It may be caused by genetic factors or environmental factors.

Graft rejection and graft v host disease

Whenever the host antigen encounters foreign cells’ invasion, then the host starts producing antibodies against them. It is prevalent when a tissue or organ is transplanted, as the host thinks the graft as foreign invasion. The transplanted organs are recognized as non self and are attacked. This may result in fatal graft versus host disease development. Karl Landsteiner discovered blood groups in the year 1930. E.D.Thomas and J.Murray were awarded Nobel Prize for their invention of transplantation immunity development in the year 1991. The rejection can be controlled with the help of immuno suppressive drugs.

Immunological disorders

Genetic function of innate immune system and adaptive immune system is lost if it is attacked by physical, chemical and biological agents. This is referred as immunological deficiency. For instance, disease like SCID (Severe Combined Immuno Deficiency), AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are immunological disorders.