Immunology

The branch of biomedical science that concerns more about immune system of all type of organisms is referred as immunology. It mainly concerns about physiological functioning of all states of immune system including health and disease, improper functioning of immune system with respect to immunological disorders such as autoimmune diseases, immune deficiency, hypersensitivity and transplant rejection. It concerns more about chemical characteristics, physiological characteristics of immune system components either in vitro, in vivo or in situ stage. The application of immunology in science is broad.

The word immunology is derived from Latin word ‘immunis’ which refers to exempt. After the introduction of concept, it was characterized by physicians of early age to be a part of immune system. The individual who practice immunology is referred as immunologists. The main and primary lymphoid organs of immune system are bone marrow and thymus. The secondary lymphoid organs are tonsils, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, adenoids, skin, liver and spleen. If necessary immune system either primary organs such as thymus and bone marrow and secondary organs such as spleen, liver and others can be surgically removed for clinical trials and treatment. Immune system components are generally cellular in nature and are not coupled with any of the specific organs however they are embedded or get circulated in to various types of lymphatic tissues which are located all throughout the body.

The components of immune system are used to treat the immune disorder and this is referred as immunotherapy. This immunotherapy treatment is widely used to fight against the cancer and is being coupled with chemotherapy with the aid of drugs and radiotherapy with the aid of radiation. This therapy can also be used as immunosuppressant in case of HIV treatment and individuals who suffer from immune deficiency and related autoimmune disorders.

Questions:

• What is immunology?
• What are types of immunology?
• Define clinical immunology.