Immune Response
Alternate Names : Acquired (Adaptive) Immunity, Cellular Immunity, Humoral Immunity, Immunity, Inflammatory Response, Innate Immunity
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Therapies
Usually, the immune response is desired. In some cases, suppression of the immune system is necessary (for example, in the treatment of autoimmune disorders or allergies). This is usually accomplished by administering corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications.
Suppression of the immune system may be an undesired side effect of certain treatments or disorders.
Vaccination (immunization) is a way to trigger the immune response. Small doses of an antigen (such as dead or weakened live viruses) are given to activate immune system "memory" (activated B lymphocytes and sensitized T lymphocytes). Memory allows your body to react quickly and efficiently to future exposures. As noted above, this means that if you are exposed to a microorganism, it will be destroyed before it can cause illness.
Passive immunization involves transfusion of antiserum, which contains antibodies that are formed by another person (or animal). It provides immediate protection against an antigen, but does not provide long-lasting protection. Gamma globulin and equine (horse) tetanus antitoxin are examples of passive immunization.
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