Systems-level innate and adaptive immune system

The systems-level innate and adaptive immune system is a multi-layered defense network essential for host protection against pathogens and malignancies (Janeway et al., Immunobiology, 2001). The innate component provides immediate, non-specific defense through physical barriers and cellular responses like phagocytosis (StatPearls, 2023). The adaptive component offers antigen-specific recognition and immunological memory, primarily mediated by B and T lymphocytes (NIH, 2021). Dysregulation of these systems leads to various pathologies, including autoimmune diseases where the system attacks host tissues, and cancers that exploit immune checkpoints to evade detection (Nature Reviews Immunology, 2020). Therapeutic strategies targeting this system include immunosuppressants for organ transplantation and immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, designed to enhance or modulate immune activity (PubMed, 2022).

Other names

Immune systemHost defense systemInnate and adaptive immunity

Drugs targeting the immune system act through diverse mechanisms including cytokine neutralization, checkpoint inhibition, lymphocyte depletion, and signal transduction modulation to either suppress or stimulate immune activity (PubMed, 2022).