The study of immunology is critical to human and animal health and survival. It is at the
cutting edge of medical science and has led to some key healthcare advances of recent
times, including vaccination and cancer immunotherapy. Immunologists are developing
new treatments to some of the major diseases affecting mankind, including infectious
diseases (such as influenza and Ebola), autoimmune conditions (such as type 1 diabetes)
and a variety of cancers. The immune system is incredibly complex and we still have lots
more to find out about how it works. The field of immunology involves the study of the
cells, molecules, and mechanisms involved in detecting and eliminating these harmful
pathogens. The immune system is composed of several types of cells, including white
blood cells, antibodies, and cytokines, which work together to recognize and neutralize
foreign substances. These cells are organized into a complex network that can detect and
respond to different types of pathogens. Immunology plays a crucial role in understanding
diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, where the immune system attacks its own
healthy cells, and allergies, where the immune system overreacts to allergens.
Immunology research also contributes to the development of vaccines, immunotherapies,
and other medical treatments that can help improve our health and well-being.
Immunology is the study of the immune system and is a very important branch of the
medical and biological sciences. The immune system protects us from infection through
various lines of defence. If the immune system is not functioning as it should, it can result
in disease, such as autoimmunity, allergy and cancer. It is also now becoming clear that
immune responses contribute to the development of many common disorders not
traditionally viewed as immunologic, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and
neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
From Edward Jenner’s pioneering work in the 18th Century that would ultimately lead to
vaccination in its modern form (an innovation that has likely saved more lives than any
other medical advance), to the many scientific breakthroughs in the 19th and 20th
centuries that would lead to, amongst other things, safe organ transplantation, the
identification of blood groups, and the now ubiquitous use of monoclonal antibodies
throughout science and healthcare, immunology has changed the face of modern
medicine. Immunological research continues to extend horizons in our understanding of
how to treat significant health issues, with ongoing research efforts in immunotherapy,
autoimmune diseases, and vaccines for emerging pathogens, such as Ebola. Advancing our
understanding of basic immunology is essential for clinical and commercial application and
has facilitated the discovery of new diagnostics and treatments to manage a wide array of
diseases. In addition to the above, coupled with advancing technology, immunological
research has provided critically important research techniques and tools, such as flow
cytometry and antibody technology.
The purpose of the immune system is to protect the body from invasion from
microorganisms. Natural defenses encompassing epithelial surfaces and secretions,
nonspecific phagocytosis and inflammatory process, and the acquired defenses of
humoral and cell-mediated immunity work together to defend the internal environment of
the body. If microorganisms penetrate the external surfaces and enter the body, the
inflammatory process is triggered. During phagocytosis by monocytes/macrophages, the
invading antigen is identified as nonself. The antigen is presented to the T4-lymphocyte.
This cell line orchestrates the activation of B-lymphocytes and a humoral response of
antibody or Ig production and initiates the cytotoxic cell-mediated T cell response.
Following an appropriate level of response, T8 cells suppress immune system response to
the antigen, but not before memory B and T cells have formed. These memory cells
protect the body against future exposure to the antigen, thus creating immunity. As
concepts of immunology are identified and validated by future research, the knowledge
base of immune system function and dysfunction will continue to grow. Critical care
nurses must incorporate new knowledge related to immune system function into their
practice, as patients in the ICU are at risk for immunocompromise from their underlying
disease state and the therapeutic interventions used in their treatment. Nurses must
expand their physiologic data base to include a nursing assessment of the immune system.
A framework for organizing the data collection process would include: (1) a survey of
factors affecting immune system function in each patient, (2) assessment of the cells and
structures of the immune system, (3) monitoring of the status of first line defenses, (4)
observing for activity of nonspecific defenses, and (5) evidence of specific acquired
immune responses. After complete immune system assessment has identified areas of
risk for compromise or the presence of immunocompromise, specific individualized
nursing care plans can be developed to provide nursing support to maintain and enhance
the patient's defenses
In conclusion, studying immunology is of utmost importance in our daily lives as it helps us
understand the functioning of our bodies' immune system, its role in preventing diseases
and fighting infections, and the development of treatments and vaccines. Understanding
immunology also helps us to make informed decisions about our health, such as taking
necessary precautions during outbreaks, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and getting
vaccinated. Immunology research has also led to the development of life-saving
treatments for various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious
diseases. Therefore, knowledge of immunology is essential for promoting health and
preventing diseases, making it a crucial field of study for our daily lives.