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Immune System
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Immune System

The immune system is the complex collection of cells and organs that destroy or neutralize pathogens that would otherwise cause disease or death. Each cell type plays a unique role, with different ways of recognizing problems, communicating with other cells, and performing their functions. Learn more about the human immune system.

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How to (Actually) Boost Your Immune System
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How to (Actually) Boost Your Immune System

This scientifically meaningless claim has been doing the rounds for years now, selling products that fool you into overly simplistic solutions. Learn how to actually support your immune system.

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Immune system anatomy

The immune system defends the body against germs with two lines of defense, innate and adaptive immunity. Its anatomy runs from the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils and bone marrow to T and B lymphocytes, antibodies and the gut microbiota.

Pathogens

There are many different disease-causing pathogens, such as bacteria and/or their toxins, parasites, viruses, and chemicals. To cause disease, a pathogen must successfully achieve four steps or stages of pathogenesis: exposure (contact), adhesion (colonization), invasion, and infection.

Immunological diseases and disorders

The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infection. When it doesn't, this can result in disorders such as autoimmune diseases. Learn about the immune system and what happens when it doesn't work correctly.

Overview

Genetic

Inflammation

Bone marrow diseases and disorders

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside some of your bones, such as your hip and thigh bones. It contains stem cells. Bone marrow diseases affect your body's ability to make healthy blood cells. Learn the different causes and possible treatments.

Lymph node diseases and disorders

Lymphatic diseases can affect your lymph, lymph vessels, or lymph nodes. Lymphatic system problems include lymphedema and swollen glands. Learn more.

Spleen, thymus and tonsil diseases and disorders

The spleen filters the blood, the thymus trains T cells and the tonsils trap germs entering through the mouth and nose, all as part of the immune system. Their disorders include an enlarged spleen, or splenomegaly, tonsillitis and thymus cancers such as thymoma.

Allergies

An allergy is a reaction by your immune system. Substances that cause reactions include pollen and food. Find the full list of allergies and allergic conditions.

Types of Allergies

Asthma

Allergic Reaction

Immune system cancers

Immune system cancers start in blood-forming cells in the bone marrow or in immune cells such as lymphocytes. They include leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes in adults and children, along with treatments such as immunotherapy and stem cell transplants.

General

Leukemia

Lymphoma

Eosinophilic Diseases and Disorders

Autoimmune diseases and disorders

Autoimmune diseases are a family of more than 80 chronic, and often disabling, illnesses that develop when underlying defects in the immune system lead the body to attack its own organs, tissues, and cells.

Overview

Genetics and Autoimmune Diseases

Infections

Infectious diseases are caused by four main kinds of germs. Vaccines, proper hand washing, and medicines can help prevent infections. Discover more about infectious diseases.

Infectious Diseases

Hepatitis

Demographic

HIV/AIDS

HIV kills or damages the body's immune system cells. There's no cure for HIV, but taking certain medicines can help people with HIV stay healthy. If HIV isn’t treated, it can lead to AIDS. AIDS is the most advanced stage of infection.

Vaccines

Vaccines, also called immunizations or inoculations, can prevent many life-threatening diseases. Before vaccines, people became immune only by actually getting a disease and surviving it. Immunizations are an easier and less risky way to become immune.

Foodborne illnesses

Many pathogens and bacteria can contaminate what we eat and cause food poisoning. Find out the food and germs most associated with foodborne illness.

Overview

Food Safety

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