The immune response occurs when an foreign (immunogenic) substance, such as a virus or bacteria, is introduced into the body. The immune system identifies it as non-self and initiates a defence mechanism aiming at neutralising or destroying the foreign substance. The immune response typically involves the activation of the body's immune system, including the production of antibodies, T cells, and other components of the immune system, in response to the presence of the immunogenic substance.
When developing new therapies or transplantation techniques, researchers must consider how to deal with the immune response. Otherwise, the immune system may treat the therapy or transplanted tissue as non-self and attack it. This may involve suppressing the immune system (leaving the patient at risk in the event of an infection). Researchers are also investigating means of preventing therapeutic or transplanted material as being recognised as non-self by the immune system.
This entry was provided by the doctoral students of the GetRADI collaborative network. GetRADI is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.