Swagatika In this article, I briefly describe immunodeficiency disorders that disturb immune regulation, which can lead to the development of autoimmunity. Deficiencies in T-cell Tolerance Lead to Autoimmunity The adaptive immune system recognizes and eliminates foreign antigens. It also has to recognize self-MHC proteins and suppress reactions to self-antigens in the host. The induction of tolerance … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe how defects in innate immune components result in diseases and deficiencies. Innate Immune Defects Disorders in myeloid cells or components of the complement activation pathways lead to innate immune defects. Many of these defects lead to fewer phagocytic cells or defective phagocytic processes. These processes may have defects at … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe how a primary deficiency leads to different immunodeficiency syndromes. Primary Immunodeficiency Primary immunodeficiency is generally a birth defect and causes many health issues in early life. Immunodeficiency disorders are minor or life-threatening. Primary immunodeficiency diseases have provided immunologists valuable insights into the critical roles of specific proteins and cellular … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and its interruption with T-cell and B-cell responses. Combined Immunodeficiencies The diseases that result from impaired T-cell function or absence of T cells, combined with some disruption of antibody responses, are known as combined immunodeficiencies. T helper cells (TH cells) are needed for the complete … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe primary immunodeficiencies, which are mostly hereditary and may be minor or life-threatening. Primary Immunodeficiency The condition is known as immunodeficiency when our immune system fails to protect us from diseases. Primary immunodeficiency results from an inherited genetic defect. This is generally a birth defect and causes many health issues … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the methods to improve vaccine immunogenicity and enhance the immune response. Vaccines A vaccine is a biological preparation that gives immunity to some infectious diseases. The administration of vaccines is called vaccination. Edward Jenner was an English physician and scientist who pioneered the concept of vaccines including creating the … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe nucleic acid vaccines, their mechanism of working, and the broad and long-term immune response in humans. Nucleic acid vaccines The vaccines which use genetic material from a harmful pathogen to stimulate an immune response are called nucleic acid vaccines. These vaccines can contain either DNA or RNA. This genetic … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the recombinant vector vaccines and their advantages over live attenuated vaccines. Live attenuated vaccines Attenuation is a process, where microorganisms lose their ability to cause a significant disease. In other words, attenuation takes away the pathogenicity of microorganisms. Attenuation can be achieved when a pathogenic virus or bacterium is … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe the types of subunit vaccines. Purified Macromolecules as Vaccines Attenuated or inactivated whole-organism vaccines carry certain risks, prompting the development of alternative options that utilize specific purified macromolecules from pathogens. Currently, three main types of such vaccines are used: capsular polysaccharides, toxoids, and recombinant microbial antigens. Capsular Polysaccharides The … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe live attenuated and inactivated vaccines. Vaccines A vaccine is a biological preparation that gives immunity to infectious diseases. The administration of vaccines is called vaccination. Edward Jenner was an English physician and scientist who pioneered the concept of vaccines including creating the smallpox vaccine, the world’s first vaccine. Vaccination is … Read more >>