Browsing: Immune System

The immune system is the body’s intricate defense network designed to identify and neutralize harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as to detect and destroy malfunctioning cells. It consists of a layered array of barriers, cells, and signaling molecules, including innate components that provide rapid, generalized responses and adaptive components that learn to recognize and remember specific threats. Key players include white blood cells, antibodies, lymph nodes, and organs such as the thymus and spleen. Research into the immune system has advanced fields from vaccine development to cancer immunotherapy, and continues to reveal surprising links between immunity, microbiota, and overall health.