Immune attack

"Immune attack" refers broadly to the process by which components of the immune system—such as antibodies, T cells, and other leukocytes—recognize and destroy cells identified as foreign or dangerous. This can include normal protective responses against pathogens like bacteria and viruses ("immune response"), but also encompasses harmful events where the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissues ("autoimmune disease")[1][2][5]. The term does not denote any single molecule or receptor; instead it summarizes diverse effector mechanisms including antibody binding and complement activation by B cells; direct killing by cytotoxic T lymphocytes; release of inflammatory mediators; and recruitment of additional immune cells via cytokines. While essential for defense against infection and cancerous transformation, dysregulated "immune attacks" underlie many autoimmune diseases when tolerance fails and self-antigens are targeted in error[2][9]. In summary: There is no canonical molecule/receptor called "Immune attack." The phrase represents an immunological process involving multiple cell types and pathways rather than a single druggable target.

Not applicable; "immune attack" describes an outcome of various mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, complement activation, T cell-mediated killing—not one specific mechanism.