Guardians of Health: Exploring the Role of the Immune System in Disease Resistance and Tolerance

Authors

  • Ravita Bhattacharya Research scholar, Karnataka

Keywords:

Immune system, disease resistance, tolerance, inflammation, pathogens, immune response, immune regulation

Abstract

"Guardians of Health" delves into the intricate role of the immune system as both protector and mediator in the battle against infectious agents and diseases. This paper explores the dynamic interplay between the immune system and pathogens, highlighting the mechanisms underlying disease resistance and tolerance. While traditionally viewed as a defence mechanism against pathogens, the immune system also plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and preventing excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Recent research has uncovered the complexity of immune responses, revealing a delicate balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. Dysregulation of this balance can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and immunodeficiency syndromes. Understanding the factors that contribute to immune dysregulation is essential for developing targeted therapies and interventions to restore immune homeostasis and promote health., the concept of immune tolerance has gained recognition as a key mechanism for preventing autoimmune reactions and maintaining tissue integrity. Immune tolerance mechanisms, including central and peripheral tolerance, ensure that the immune system can distinguish between self and non-self, thereby preventing autoimmunity while preserving the ability to mount effective immune responses against pathogens. we explore the diverse strategies employed by the immune system to protect against pathogens while maintaining tissue tolerance. We discuss the roles of innate and adaptive immunity, as well as the contributions of immune cells, cytokines, and regulatory molecules in orchestrating immune responses. Additionally, we examine the impact of genetic, environmental, and microbial factors on immune function and disease susceptibility. By unravelling the complexities of immune regulation, we aim to gain deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying health and disease. Ultimately, this knowledge will inform the development of novel therapeutic approaches to enhance immune function, prevent immune-mediated diseases, and improve human health.

References

Abbas, A. K., Lichtman, A. H., & Pillai, S. (2020). Cellular and Molecular Immunology (10th ed.). Elsevier.

Janeway, C. A., Travers, P., Walport, M., & Shlomchik, M. J. (2001). Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease (5th ed.). Garland Science.

Medzhitov, R. (2008). Origin and physiological roles of inflammation. Nature, 454(7203), 428-435.

Belkaid, Y., & Hand, T. W. (2014). Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell, 157(1), 121-141.

Sakaguchi, S., Miyara, M., Costantino, C. M., & Hafler, D. A. (2010). FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in the human immune system. Nature Reviews Immunology, 10(7), 490-500.

Rook, G. A., Raison, C. L., & Lowry, C. A. (2014). Microbiota, immunoregulatory old friends and psychiatric disorders. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 817, 319-356.

Gratz, I. K., & Campbell, D. J. (2014). Organ-specific and memory Treg cells: specificity, development, function, and maintenance. Frontiers in Immunology, 5, 333.

Kuby, J., & Owen, J. (2013). Immunology (7th ed.). WH Freeman.

Joller, N., & Kuchroo, V. K. (2017). Immunology. Current Biology, 27(22), R1157-R1161.

Pulendran, B., & Ahmed, R. (2011). Immunological mechanisms of vaccination. Nature Immunology, 12(6), 509-517.

Published

27-07-2024

How to Cite

Bhattacharya, R. (2024). Guardians of Health: Exploring the Role of the Immune System in Disease Resistance and Tolerance. Well Testing Journal, 33, 148–152. Retrieved from https://welltestingjournal.com/index.php/WT/article/view/84

Issue

Section

Research Articles

Similar Articles

<< < 1 2 3 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.