immunology

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Immunology deals with the body's defense mechanisms and their disorders. The immune system is the bulwark against invading harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and poisons.

If the immune system is weakened, such intruders have an easy time of it. An excessive immune reaction, such as occurs, for example, in allergies and autoimmune diseases, is also problematic.

The tasks of immunology include:

• Direct support of the body's defenses, e.g. through vaccinations, therapeutic antibodies or antisera in the event of poisoning.
• Immune stimulation, i.e. the strengthening of the immune system in the case of acquired or congenital immunodeficiency (e.g. in the case of HIV or after cancer therapy).
• Immunosuppression, i.e. the dampening of the immune system in the event of allergies, autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) and after transplants to prevent rejection.

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