Microbiology and Immunology

Microbial, Parasitic, And Fungal Immunology

Microbial Immunology anticipates research into reactions to any microbial agent, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The study of host-pathogen interactions at the molecular and cellular levels is the focus of Microbiology, Microbial Pathogenesis, and Immunology.

Because of their constant interaction with the immune system, most parasites elicit a robust immune response. Unfortunately, most of this reaction is detrimental, rather than protective. In certain infections, protective immunity is due to a mix of humoral and cellular immunity; in this case, parasites are coated with antibody, making them vulnerable to direct cytotoxicity by macrophages, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Some other infections are protected by antibodies alone. Nonspecific and genetic variables are unquestionably essential, but they remain undefined players in the host response. By producing hypersensitivity, immunologically induced fibrosis, or circulating immune complexes, the immune response might be harmful. Furthermore, parasites have evolved novel means of evading the immune system, such as changing their antigenic coat and producing immunosuppression. Attempts to extract "host-protective" antigens in parasite illnesses may lead to the creation of an effective vaccine.