Dysregulated immune system

A dysregulated immune system is a broad pathological state characterized by an imbalance in immune homeostasis, where the immune response is either inappropriately heightened or insufficiently active. In cases of overactivity, the system may lose self-tolerance, leading to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, or produce excessive inflammation as seen in cytokine release syndrome (StatPearls, 2023). Conversely, an underactive or suppressed immune system can lead to chronic infections or the failure of cancer immunosurveillance (NIH, 2022). Because this term describes a systemic condition involving a vast network of cells (e.g., T-cells, B-cells, macrophages) and signaling molecules (e.g., cytokines, chemokines), it does not constitute a single therapeutic target. Instead, drug development focuses on specific components within this system, such as individual receptors, enzymes, or checkpoints, to modulate the overall immune state. Consequently, the term refers to a clinical manifestation of disease rather than a specific druggable molecule.

Other names

Immune dysregulationImmune dysfunctionImmunopathologyImmune imbalance

Not applicable as this is a physiological state or pathological condition rather than a specific molecular target.