Immunology/Inflammation - ALL Chemistry-Custom Chemical Solutions Supplier

Immunology/Inflammation

Definition

Immunology is the study of the immune system and is a very important branch of the medical and biological sciences. The immune system is a complex system of structures and processes that has evolved to protect us from disease. If the immune system is not functioning as it should, it can result in diseases, such as autoimmunity, allergy and cancer.

Inflammation is the immune system’s response against infection and foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. When inflammation occurs, cytokines from the body's white blood cells are released into the blood or affected tissues to protect the body from insult.

Fig.1 Immune

Classification

The immune system can be divided into two systems, they are innate immune system and adaptive immune system.

Comparison of the immune system

Innate immune system	Adaptive immune system
Response is non-specific	Pathogen and antigen-specific response
Exposure leads to immediate maximal response	Lag time between exposure and maximal response
Cell-mediated and humoral components	Cell-mediated and humoral components
No immunological memory	Exposure leads to immunological memory
Found in nearly all forms of life	Found only in jawed vertebrates

Inflammation

The immune response does not necessarily lead to an inflammatory response, but the inflammatory response must accompany with immune response. When the immune response is excessive, inflammation occurs. The five cardinal signs are heat, pain, redness, swelling, and loss of function.

Inflammation can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is the initial response of the body to harmful stimuli, and is achieved by the increased movement of plasma and leukocytes (in particular granulocytes) from the blood into the injured tissues. Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells present at the site of inflammation, such as mononuclear cells, and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process.

How to Improve Immunity?

1. Get enough sleep

2. Pay attention to diet

Eat more whole plant foods, healthy fats, fermented foods or take a probiotic supplement.

3. Limit added sugars

4. Engage in moderate exercise

5. Stay hydrated

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