Immune and inflammatory system

The immune and inflammatory system is a complex biological network consisting of specialized cells, tissues, and signaling molecules designed to protect the host from pathogens and maintain tissue homeostasis (StatPearls, 2023). It is functionally divided into innate immunity, providing rapid non-specific responses, and adaptive immunity, which generates antigen-specific memory (NIH, 2024). Inflammation serves as a vital physiological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or damaged cells, involving the recruitment of leukocytes and the release of chemical mediators like cytokines and chemokines (PubMed, 2022). While essential for survival, chronic or inappropriate activation of this system underlies the pathogenesis of numerous conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. In the context of drug discovery, the immune and inflammatory system is classified as a broad therapeutic area rather than a single molecular target, encompassing thousands of distinct proteins that can be modulated by immunosuppressants, anti-inflammatories, or immunotherapies.

Other names

Immune systemInflammatory systemHost defense system

Not applicable. The immune and inflammatory system is a physiological system and therapeutic area, not a single molecular target that can be modulated by a specific mechanism of action.