Description: The state of being immune refers to the body’s ability to resist specific infections or toxins. This phenomenon is fundamental to health, as it allows the body to recognize and combat pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, as well as toxic substances. Immunity can be innate, present from birth, or acquired, developing throughout life after exposure to pathogens or through vaccination. The immune response involves a complex interaction between cells, tissues, and organs, where lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in identifying and eliminating threats. Immune memory is another important feature, as it allows the immune system to remember previously encountered pathogens, facilitating a faster and more effective response in future exposures. This mechanism is the basis for the effectiveness of vaccines, which train the immune system to recognize and combat diseases without causing the disease itself. Immunity not only protects the individual but also contributes to public health by reducing the spread of infectious diseases in the population.
History: The concept of immunity dates back to antiquity, but it was in the 18th century that systematic studies began. Edward Jenner, in 1796, developed the first vaccine by inoculating a child with material from cowpox, which protected him from human smallpox. This discovery marked the beginning of immunology as a science. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, significant advances were made, such as the development of vaccines for diseases like tetanus and rabies. In the 20th century, Paul Ehrlich and Emil von Behring contributed to the understanding of antibodies and the immune response, laying the foundations for modern immunology.
Uses: Immunity has multiple applications in medicine and public health. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for preventing infectious diseases by stimulating the immune response without causing the disease. Additionally, immunotherapy is used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, leveraging the immune system’s ability to attack tumor cells. Research is also being conducted on manipulating immunity to treat autoimmune diseases and allergies, where the immune system reacts inappropriately.
Examples: Examples of immunity include vaccination against influenza, which helps prevent infection by the influenza virus, and acquired immunity after recovery from diseases like measles, where the body develops immune memory. Another example is the use of monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatments, which help the immune system recognize and attack specific cancer cells.
