Concepts of immunology-Vaccines

The concept of immunology-vaccines involves the study of the immune system, and it is one of the most essential branches of biological and medical sciences. The human immune system protects the body from several infections, and acts as a natural defence system. If the immune system does not act as it should be, several conditions such as allergy, autoimmunity and cancer can occur and put our lives in jeopardy. 

The immune response contributes to the development of several disorders that are viewed as metabolic, immunologic, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular, such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

The lymphoid organs, or immune system organs, are found throughout the body. They are classified as main lymphoid organs, which produce lymphocytes (the principal players of the immune system), and secondary lymphoid organs, which begin adaptive immunological responses.

The primary organs are the bone marrow and the thymus, while the secondary organs (also known as peripheral lymphoid organs) are the lymph nodes, spleen, and mucosal- and gut-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT and GALT, respectively), which include the tonsils, adenoids, appendix, and Peyer’s patches of the small intestine.

The focus of this article is to provide a quick overview of our current understanding of basic immunological pathways in humans.

These are the fundamental concepts of contemporary vaccinology, the evolution of which is described in a companion study 

• 2. Inherited immunity
• 2.1. Innate immune system cells

Innate immune system cells are a broad group of haematopoietic cells that include both tissue-residing cells (such as macrophages and dendritic cells) and “moving” cells (such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes) that patrol the body via the blood and lymph circulation.

Why is immunology essential?

In the 18th century, Edward Jenner’s hard work and pioneering leadership ultimately led to vaccination and its modern forms. The concepts of immunology vaccines are an innovation that saved the lives of many and led to other scientific breakthroughs in the 19th and 20th centuries, such as the identification of blood groups, safe organ transplantations and now the use of monoclonal antibodies.

In science and healthcare, the concept of immunology vaccine definition has brought a paradigm shift in the era of modern medicine. Immunological research continues to contribute to and extend the horizons to understand how significant health issues can be worked upon with several types of research for immunotherapy, autoimmune disease, and several vaccines for emerging pathogens like Ebola. 

Making advancements in the basic understanding of immunology is essential for us to recognize the clinical and commercial application that has facilitated and discovered newer diagnostic and treatment options to manage many diseases. 

The Immune System 

The human immune system is a complex structure made of systems and processes that fight against diseases to protect human health. Molecular and cellular components are responsible for building the immune system. The functions of these components are divided into nonspecific mechanisms – those which are natural to an organism and responsive responses. These responses are adaptive to specific pathogens, and the fundamentals of classical immunology involve the study of components that constitute the natural and adaptive immune system. 

Natural Immunity

Natural immunity is the first response to all potential pathogens, and no matter how different the pathogens may be, natural immunity acts the same way. Some of the natural immunity physical barriers include skin, saliva, neutrophils, basophils, macrophages and mast cells. These components are by default protective towards our health. 

These default protective organisms are enough to eliminate the pathogens in some cases. However, sometimes it is not enough, and the first defence becomes overwhelmed when the second line of defence kicks in. 

Adaptive immunity 

The second line of immunity defence is called adaptive immunity, and it involves building the memory of an encountered infection so that our immune system can develop an enhanced response to a specific pathogen and foreign substance. Adaptive immunity consists of antibodies targeting foreign pathogens roaming free in the bloodstream. T-cells are also involved, which are primarily directed at pathogens that have colonised cells and can directly kill the infected cells and control the antibody response. 

The immune system is a highly balanced and regulated system of the human body, and if it is disturbed, several diseases can attack us. Several researchers have stated that a disease is only caused if the immune system is dysfunctional. When it comes to vaccines, the immune system gets boosted by vaccinations and gives a solid reaction to specific pathogens to keep the overall health intact and that’s why the concepts of immunology vaccines are important. 

What do vaccines do?

Concepts of immunology-vaccines classifications involve injecting agents into our body that teach the body to recognize and defend itself from harmful pathogens such as viruses, parasites, and bacteria. Vaccines give a sneak peek at the specific pathogens that stimulate the body’s immune system which in turn prepares itself in the event of an infection. 

Vaccines contain harmless elements of the infectious agents that stimulate the immune system to develop a response against a disease by producing antibodies. Cells that are responsive to the vaccine will proliferate to manufacture antibodies specific to the given agent in order to form a memory cell. After encountering the infection agent the second time, those memory cells will act quickly and defeat the threat of the disease by producing sufficient antibodies. Later, the pathogens entering the body will be defeated and destroyed, preventing further infections. Many infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, diphtheria, whooping cough, tuberculosis, rubella, polio and tetanus are no longer a threat to the world, thanks to successful vaccination applications. 

Conclusion

Immunisation and vaccinations protect us from diseases that have claimed many lives in the past. These programmes are nothing short of revolutions in the medical world. Nevertheless, several important challenges are supposed to be addressed to get a complete understanding of immunology and its concepts; there are several significant illnesses out there in the world, such as HIV/AIDS and TB, against which we all are yet to be immunised. Overall, the evolution of medical science and its knowledge will play an important role in developing vaccines for the future.