DISEASES OF IMMUNE ORIGINThe immune system protects against infectious disease, but it may also at times cause disease. Disorders of the immune
system fall into two broad categories: (1) those that arise when some aspect of the host's immune mechanism fails to prevent
infection (immune deficiencies) (2) those that occur when the immune response is directed at an inappropriate antigen, such as a noninfectious agent in an allergic reaction, the body's own antigens in an autoimmune response, or the cells of
a transplanted organ in graft rejection. Medical
and Alternative Medical Terminology, Explanations - by
Courtesy of Encyclopedia Britannica®
2001 |