Immunology & Blood Banking
Introduction Immunity: Resistance or defense against harmful agents/substances causing disease. Immune System: Cells and molecules defending the body against environmental pathogens. Antigen: Substance stimulating an immune response. Antibodies: Proteins reacting to antigens. Self vs NonSelf Self: Cells, fluids, molecules, and structures from the host. NonSelf: External substances, living organisms (parasites, fungi), nonliving toxins, or host derived genetic rearrangements. Types of Immunity Innate or Natural Immunity: Primary, nonspecific defense present at birth, not altered by repeated exposure. Acquired or Adaptive Immunity: Specific, acquired through contact with foreign substances, has memory improving response with each encounter. Innate Immunity First Line of Defense: Physical barriers like intact skin, mucous membranes. Second Line of Defense: Cellular components like phagocytic cells, macrophages, NK cells, and hum