Broad innate and adaptive immune system

The broad innate and adaptive immune system is the collective network of cells, tissues, and organs that defend the body against pathogens and maintain tissue homeostasis (StatPearls, 2023). The innate immune system provides immediate, non-specific protection through physical barriers, antimicrobial peptides, and cells like macrophages and neutrophils (NIH, 2024). The adaptive immune system, involving B and T lymphocytes, offers highly specific recognition of antigens and the development of long-term immunological memory (Janeway's Immunobiology, 2017). Dysfunction in these systems can lead to a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammation, and immunodeficiencies (PubMed, 2022). Because this term encompasses thousands of distinct molecular entities and pathways, it is not a valid therapeutic target for drug development; instead, specific components such as cytokines or receptors are targeted (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2021).

Other names

Immune systemInnate immunityAdaptive immunityHost defense system

Not applicable as this refers to a physiological system rather than a specific molecular target.