IMM250H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Peloponnesian War, Epithelium, Antibody
Document Summary
The immune system: from historical to modern perspectives. Immune system system of tissues, cells and soluble products that recognize, attack and destroy entities that can threaten our health when they enter our bodies. Upon entry of a pathogen, our immune system must recognize, respond and then return to resting. Pathogens are varied in structure; mutate & evolve quickly difficult to recognize. Pathogens replicate or produce toxins quickly; infection can occur anywhere in the body difficult to respond. Immune-induced disease (immunopathy) prevent collateral damage to healthy tissue caused by an immune response. Innate cells & soluble factors innate immunity (rapid, might block infection at its start) Adaptive cells & antibodies adaptive immunity (slower, more specific, provides memory) Immunitas (latin) means exempt; roman senators being exempted from public service and legal prosecution. Thucydides (first concept of immunity) the peloponnesian war between sparta & Sparta"s victory was in part due to an unknown disease that decimated athens.