Best Immunologist in Canberra

What is Immunology?

In human medicine, immunology refers to the teaching of the human immune system, i.e. the biological and biochemical basis of the physical defense against pathogens.

She examines the reaction of the organism to the penetration of exogenous substances, i.e. deals with the organic detection and defense mechanisms and their disorders. Immunology is an independent subject within internal medicine.

The immunology deals with the defense mechanisms of the body and its disorders. The immune system is the bulwark against invading harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and poisons.

If the immune system is weakened, it is easy for such intruders. An excessive immune reaction, such as occurs, for example, in allergies and autoimmune diseases, is also problematic.

The tasks of immunology include: Direct support of the body’s defenses , e.g. through vaccinations, therapeutic antibodies or antisera in the event of poisoning. Immune stimulation , i.e. the strengthening of the immune system in the case of acquired or congenital immunodeficiency (e.g. in the case of HIV or after cancer therapy). Immunosuppression , i.e. the dampening of the immune system in the event of allergies, autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis , rheumatoid arthritis , ulcerative colitis , Crohn’s disease ) and after transplants in order to prevent a rejection reaction. Immunity & Immune System: The unspecific defense system (immunity) is innate and is not directed against a specific substance but against all pathogens. This innate immune response consists of a number of physical (e.g. skin and mucous membrane barriers) and biological protective mechanisms. It enables resistance to the effects of certain microorganisms. In this context, resistance is the sum of all innate, non-specific, constantly active defense mechanisms of an organism directed against a large number of pathogens.

The non-specific immunity consists of different components, all of which have the task of destroying and breaking down structures foreign to the body. Put simply, the fight follows the following scheme: cells that have been attacked by bacteria secrete a chemical signal substance (interferons), which is recognized by so-called phagocytes (granulocytes and macrophages) and thus enables the affected areas to be located. The phagocytes find the affected tissue and eat and digest the attacked cells and pathogens. This process is called phagocytosis.

Another system of unspecific defense against pathogens is the so-called complement system. It consists of various proteins (complement factors), most of which are produced in the liver. The marking of hostile cells for recognition by the phagocytes is an essential task of the complement system in the non-specific defense reaction.

With the specific defense – also known as adaptive immune response – the body in turn produces so-called antibodies, which specifically (i.e. very precisely) match a certain pathogen (the so-called antigen) and render it harmless. The detection of antibodies is important in diagnosing infections.