Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Introduction to Immunity
Immunity is the ability of an organism to resist foreign substances, infections, and diseases.
It is an important defense mechanism that protects our body from harmful pathogens.
Immunity can be acquired naturally or artificially.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Types of Immunity
Innate Immunity
Present at birth
Non-specific response to foreign substances
Examples: Skin, mucus, tears, etc.
Adaptive Immunity
Acquired after birth
Specific response to particular pathogens
Examples: Antibodies, T cells, B cells, etc.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Components of Immune System
Lymphatic System
White Blood Cells (WBCs)
Neutrophils
Eosinophils
Basophils
Lymphocytes
T cells
B cells
Natural Killer (NK) cells
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Humoral Immune Response
Mediated by B cells
Produces antibodies in response to antigens
Antibodies neutralize or eliminate antigens
Example
: Production of antibodies against bacteria
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Cell-Mediated Immune Response
Mediated by T cells
Helps in destroying infected cells
Enhances immune response
Example
: Killing of virus-infected cells
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Antigens and Antibodies
Antigens are foreign substances that trigger an immune response.
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by B cells in response to antigens.
Antibodies bind to antigens and help in their elimination.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)
MHC is a group of genes that code for cell surface proteins important for immune recognition.
MHC proteins help in presenting antigens to T cells for recognition and activation of immune response.
MHC is classified into two types
: MHC-I and MHC-II.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Types of Immunity - Active and Passive
Active Immunity
Developed by the body’s immune system
Induced by exposure to pathogens or vaccines
Long-lasting protection
Passive Immunity
Transferred from one individual to another
Temporary protection
Example: Maternal antibodies transferred to the fetus
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Vaccination and Immunization
Vaccination is the process of introducing weakened or killed pathogens into the body to stimulate an immune response.
Immunization is the development of immunity against a specific pathogen through vaccination.
Vaccination helps in preventing the occurrence of diseases.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Disorders of the Immune System
Autoimmune Diseases
Immune system attacks self-cells and tissues
Examples: Rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple sclerosis
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Weakened or absent immune response
Examples: HIV/AIDS, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Abnormal immune response to harmless substances
Examples: Allergies, Asthma
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Viral Infections
Viruses are intracellular pathogens that can cause various diseases.
Examples
: Influenza, HIV, Hepatitis, COVID-19.
Viral infections can be prevented by vaccination and practicing good hygiene.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause infections.
Examples
: Tuberculosis, Cholera, Pneumonia.
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Fungal Infections
Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms that can cause infections.
Examples
: Candidiasis, Athlete’s foot, Ringworm.
Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal infections.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Parasitic Infections
Parasites are organisms that live on or in another organism and obtain nutrients from it.
Examples
: Malaria, Amoebiasis, Giardiasis.
Antiparasitic medications are used to treat parasitic infections.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances (allergens).
Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods.
Allergic reactions can range from mild (sneezing, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis).
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells and tissues.
Examples
: Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Type 1 Diabetes.
The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors play a role.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Immunodeficiency disorders are characterized by a weakened or absent immune response.
Primary immunodeficiency disorders are inherited, while secondary immunodeficiency disorders can be acquired.
Examples
: HIV/AIDS, SCID, DiGeorge syndrome.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Cancer and Immune System
Cancer occurs when abnormal cells divide and spread uncontrollably.
The immune system plays a crucial role in recognizing and eliminating cancer cells.
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that enhances the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Organ Transplantation and Immune Response
Organ transplantation involves replacing a diseased organ with a healthy one from a donor.
The immune system can recognize the transplanted organ as foreign and mount an immune response.
Immunosuppressive drugs are used to prevent rejection and maintain organ function.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
HIV/AIDS
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4+ T cells.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of HIV infection.
HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or mother-to-child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Influenza
Also known as the flu, caused by the influenza virus.
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Influenza can be prevented by yearly vaccinations.
Vaccination is recommended for high-risk individuals such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
Antiviral drugs can be used for treatment.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Tuberculosis (TB)
Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.
Primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other organs.
Symptoms include cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats.
TB can be treated with a combination of antibiotics for several months.
BCG vaccine is available for prevention, but its effectiveness varies.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Malaria
Caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches.
Anti-malarial drugs can be used for treatment and prevention.
Prevention includes the use of bed nets, insect repellents, and elimination of mosquito breeding sites.
Malaria is a major health problem in tropical and subtropical regions.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E).
Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are available for prevention.
Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis, ranging from supportive care to antiviral medications.
Chronic hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis or cancer.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the immune system, leading to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or mother-to-child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, and opportunistic infections.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus, extending the life expectancy of individuals with HIV/AIDS.
Prevention focuses on safe practices, including condom use, needle exchange programs, and HIV testing.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Allergy Management
Allergies can be managed by avoiding allergens and taking medications.
Antihistamines can help relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
Corticosteroids can control inflammation in severe allergic reactions.
Allergen immunotherapy, such as allergy shots, can desensitize the immune system to specific allergens.
Education about allergies and proper management is essential to reduce allergic reactions.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation and joint pain.
Immune system attacks the synovium, a tissue lining the joints.
Symptoms include joint stiffness, swelling, and deformities.
Treatment includes medication to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy, and joint replacement surgery if necessary.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and prevent joint damage.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Cancer Immunotherapy
Cancer immunotherapy uses the immune system to fight cancer cells.
Examples include immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, and cancer vaccines.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells.
CAR-T cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Biological Therapies
Biological therapies use substances derived from living organisms to treat diseases.
Examples include monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and gene therapies.
Monoclonal antibodies can specifically target cancer cells or immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases.
Recombinant proteins are synthetic versions of naturally occurring proteins used for various therapeutic purposes.
Gene therapies involve introducing or modifying genes to treat genetic disorders or cancer.
Biology In Human Welfare Human Health And Disease Immunity
Ethics in Biotechnology and Medicine
Biotechnology and medicine raise ethical concerns related to genetic engineering, stem cell research, and human cloning.
Ethical considerations include the balance between scientific advancements and potential risks, informed consent, and equitable access to healthcare.
Regulatory bodies and guidelines help ensure ethical practices in biotechnology and medicine.
Debates and discussions are ongoing to address ethical dilemmas and establish ethical frameworks in these fields.
Education and awareness about ethical issues are crucial for healthcare professionals and the general public.