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Immunology can be defined as the study of the reaction of a host when foreign substances are introduced to the body. These foreign substances that cause this immune reaction are called antigens. Antigens are usually thought of as harmful infectious agents, but they may also be harmless substances such as pollen, which can trigger a response in some individuals. Our environment contains a great variety of infectious microbes – viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and helminths. The different types of immune response fall into two categories: natural (innate) immune responses and adaptive (acquired) immune responses. The adaptive immune response is highly specific for a particular pathogen. The innate immune response does not alter repeated exposure to infectious agents. The adaptive response improves with each successive encounter with the same infectious agent and prevents the disease from reoccurring. The concept of Immunology may be thought of as a “Team Concept”. Each team member has a specialized function or “position” to play but can sometimes switch positions if necessary. If one team member fails, the success of the “game” is affected. Team members must work together well to win the game of “IMMUNITY”. | ||
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Defender Conference Granulocytes Monocytes/Macrophages Lymphocytes Plasma Cell |
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Invader Conference Bacteria Viruses Fungi Rickettsia Carcinomas Allergens Protozoans Helminths |
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Playing Field (The Human Body) |
Game Schedule (Interferences) |
Game Highlights (Case Studies) |
Game Trivia (Test Your Knowledge) |
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