What is the immune system?

1 Answer
Jan 10, 2017

The immune system is a host defence system comprising many biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease.

Explanation:

To function properly the immune system must detect a wide variety of pathogens. Multiple defense mechanisms have evolved to recognise and neutralise pathogens.

Even simple unicellular organisms such as bacteria posses a rudimentary immune system, in the form of enzymes that protect against bacteriophage infections.

Humans have a sophisticated defense mechanism . Adaptive or acquired immunity creates immunological response to a specific pathogen, leading to an enhanced response to subsequent encounters.

Disorders of the immune system can result in auto immune disease, inflammatory diseases and cancer.