IdeaWazaWiki - User contributions [en]

Immunology basics

2008-09-17T21:04:42Z

198.82.79.150: /* Histological examination of the immune system */

'''Immunology''' is a broad branch of [[biomedical science|biomedical]] [[science]] that covers the study of all aspects of the [[immune system]] in all [[organism]]s. It deals with, among other things, the [[physiology|physiological]] functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders ([[autoimmune diseases]], [[hypersensitivity|hypersensitivities]], [[immune deficiency]], [[transplant rejection]]); the physical, chemical and physiological characteristics of the components of the immune system [[in vitro]], [[in situ]], and [[in vivo]]. Immunology has applications in several disciplines of science, and as such is further divided.

==Histological examination of the immune system==
Even before the concept of [[immunity (medical)|immunity]] (from ''immunis'', Latin for "exempt") was developed, numerous early physicians characterised organs that would later prove to be part of the immune system. The key primary lymphoid organs of the immune system are [[thymus]] and [[bone marrow]], and secondary lymphatic tissues such as [[spleen]], [[tonsil]]s, [[lymphatic system|lymph vessels]], [[lymph node]]s, [[adenoid]]s, and [[skin]]. When health conditions warrant, immune system organs including the thymus, spleen, portions of bone marrow, lymph nodes and secondary lymphatic tissues can be [[surgery|surgically]] excised for examination while patients are still alive.

Many components of the immune system are actually [[cell (biology)|cell]]ular in nature and not associated with any specific organ but rather are embedded or circulating in various [[tissue (anatomy)|tissues]] located throughout the body.

==Classical immunology==

Classical immunology ties in with the fields of [[epidemiology]] and [[medicine]]. It studies the relationship between the body systems, [[pathogen]]s, and immunity. The earliest written mention of immunity can be traced back to the [[Pandemic|plague]] of [[Athens]] in 430 BCE. [[Thucydides]] noted that people who had recovered from a previous bout of the disease could [[nurse]] the sick without contracting the illness a second time. Many other ancient societies have references to this phenomenon, but it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries before the concept developed into scientific theory.

The study of the molecular and cellular components that comprise the immune system, including their function and interaction, is the central science of immunology. The immune system has been divided into a more primitive [[innate immunity|innate immune system]], and [[adaptive immunity|acquired or adaptive immune system]] of vertebrates, the latter of which is further divided into [[humoral immunity|humoral]] and [[cell-mediated immunity|cellular components]].

The humoral (antibody) response is defined as the interaction between [[antibody|antibodies]] and [[antigen]]s. Antibodies are specific proteins released from a certain class of immune cells (B lymphocytes). Antigens are defined as anything that elicits generation of antibodies, hence they are '''Anti'''body '''Gen'''erators. Immunology itself rests on an understanding of the properties of these two biological entities. However, equally important is the cellular response, which can not only kill infected cells in its own right, but is also crucial in controlling the antibody response. Put simply, both systems are highly interdependent.

In the 21st century, immunology has broadened its horizons with much research being performed in the more specialized niches of immunology. This includes the immunological function of cells, organs and systems not normally associated with the immune system, as well as the function of the immune system outside classical models of immunity.

==Clinical immunology== 
Clinical immunology is the study of [[disease]]s caused by disorders of the immune system (failure, aberrant action, and malignant growth of the cellular elements of the system). It also involves diseases of other systems, where immune reactions play a part in the pathology and clinical features.

The diseases caused by disorders of the immune system fall into two broad categories: [[immunodeficiency]], in which parts of the immune system fail to provide an adequate response (examples include [[chronic granulomatous disease]]), and [[autoimmunity]], in which the immune system attacks its own host's body (examples include [[systemic lupus erythematosus]], [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[Hashimoto's disease]] and [[myasthenia gravis]]). Other immune system disorders include different [[hypersensitivity|hypersensitivities]], in which the system responds inappropriately to harmless compounds ([[asthma]] and other [[allergy|allergies]]) or responds too intensely.

The most well-known disease that affects the immune system itself is [[Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome|AIDS]], caused by [[HIV]]. AIDS is an immunodeficiency characterized by the lack of CD4+ ("helper") [[T cells]] and [[macrophages]], which are destroyed by HIV.

Clinical immunologists also study ways to prevent [[transplant rejection]], in which the immune system attempts to destroy [[allograft]]s or [[xenograft]]s.

==Immunotherapy==
:''See main article [[Immunotherapy]]''

The use of immune system components to treat a disease or disorder is known as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is most commonly used in the context of the treatment of [[cancer]]s together with [[chemotherapy]] ([[Medication|drug]]s) and [[radiotherapy]] ([[electromagnetic radiation|radiation]]). However, immunotherapy is also often used in the immunosuppressed (such as [[HIV]] patients) and people suffering from other immune deficiencies or autoimmune diseases.

==Diagnostic immunology==
:''See main article [[Diagnostic immunology]]''
The specificity of the bond between antibody and antigen has made it an excellent tool in the detection of substances in a variety of diagnostic techniques. Antibodies specific for a desired [[antigen]] can be conjugated with a radiolabel, fluorescent label, or color-forming enzyme and are used as a "probe" to detect it.

==Evolutionary immunology==
Study of the immune system in extant and [[extinction|extinct]] species is capable of giving us a key understanding of the [[evolution]] of species and the immune system.

A development of complexity of the immune system can be seen from simple phagocytotic protection of single celled organisms, to circulating antimicrobial peptides in insects to lymphoid organs in vertebrates. Of course, like much of evolutionary observation, these physical properties are often seen from the [[anthropocentric]] aspect. It should be recognized that every organism living today has an immune system absolutely capable of protecting it from most forms of harm; those organisms that did not adapt their immune systems to external threats are no longer around to be observed.

[[Insect]]s and other [[arthropod]]s, while not possessing true adaptive immunity, show highly evolved systems of innate immunity, and are additionally protected from external injury (and exposure to pathogens) by their [[chitin]]ous shells.

==See also==
* [[Autoimmunity]]
* [[List of immunologists]]
* [[History of immunology]]
* [[Serology]]
* [[Immunodeficiency]]
* [[Medical technologist]]
* [[Osteoimmunology]]

== References ==
* [http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Immunology Wikibooks Immunology Textbook]
* Goldsby RA, Kindt TK, Osborne BA and Kuby J (2003) '''Immunology''', 5th Edition, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, New York, ISBN 0-7167-4947-5

== External links ==
{{WVD}}
* [http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcimmunol/ BMC: Immunology]- [[BioMed Central]]:Immunology is an [[open access journal]] publishing original peer-reviewed research articles.
* [[Nature Reviews Immunology]] ([http://www.nature.com/nri/index.html journal home])
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=imm.TOC&depth=2 Janeway's Immunobiology textbook] Searchable free online version at the [[National Center for Biotechnology Information]]
* [http://www.lib.mcg.edu/edu/esimmuno/progmenu.htm Overview] at [[Medical College of Georgia]]
* [http://www.mugen-noe.org/ MUGEN NoE] murine models for immunological disease
* [http://medweb2.unige.ch/immunologie/ Transplantation Immunology] Interesting web site made by the faculty of medicine of the University of Geneva dealing with the immunological issues linked with the transplantation of materials genetically different between donor and recipient (hematopoietical stem cells, organs or the transfusion of blood).
* [http://media.med.sc.edu/microbiology2007/ Online lectures in immunology] University of South Carolina
* [http://www.brt-labs.com/ BRT-Burleson Research Technologies] Tests the effects of pharmaceuticals in the developmental stage on the immune system.
* [http://www.dayofimmunology.org/ April the 29th - the annual Day of Immunology]
* [http://www.fleming.gr Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Institute of Immunology]
* [http://www.immport.org The Immunology Database and Analysis Portal] - an NIAID-funded database resource of reference and experiment data covering the entire immunology domain

{{Medicine}}
{{Immune system}}
[[Category:Immunology| ]]
[[Category:Subjects taught in medical school]]

{{Link FA|de}}

[[af:Immunologie]]
[[ar:علم المناعة]]
[[bs:Imunologija i imunohematologija]]
[[bg:Имунология]]
[[ca:Immunologia]]
[[cs:Imunologie]]
[[da:Immunologi]]
[[de:Immunologie]]
[[et:Immunoloogia]]
[[es:Inmunología]]
[[eo:Imunologio]]
[[eu:Immunologia]]
[[fa:ایمنی‌شناسی]]
[[fr:Immunologie]]
[[gl:Inmunoloxía]]
[[ko:면역학]]
[[hr:Imunologija]]
[[id:Imunologi]]
[[it:Immunologia]]
[[he:אימונולוגיה]]
[[lb:Immunologie]]
[[lt:Imunologija]]
[[hu:Immunológia]]
[[ms:Immunologi]]
[[nl:Immunologie]]
[[ja:免疫学]]
[[no:Immunologi]]
[[pl:Immunologia]]
[[pt:Imunologia]]
[[ro:Imunologie]]
[[ru:Иммунология]]
[[sq:Imunologjia]]
[[simple:Immunology]]
[[sk:Imunológia]]
[[sl:Imunologija]]
[[sr:Имунологија]]
[[sh:Imunologija]]
[[fi:Immunologia]]
[[sv:Immunologi]]
[[th:วิทยาภูมิคุ้มกัน]]
[[vi:Miễn dịch học]]
[[tr:İmmünoloji]]
[[uk:Імунологія]]
[[ur:مناعیات]]
[[zh:免疫学]]

Immunology basics

2008-09-17T21:03:56Z

198.82.79.150: /* Histological examination of the immune system */

'''Immunology''' is a broad branch of [[biomedical science|biomedical]] [[science]] that covers the study of all aspects of the [[immune system]] in all [[organism]]s. It deals with, among other things, the [[physiology|physiological]] functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders ([[autoimmune diseases]], [[hypersensitivity|hypersensitivities]], [[immune deficiency]], [[transplant rejection]]); the physical, chemical and physiological characteristics of the components of the immune system [[in vitro]], [[in situ]], and [[in vivo]]. Immunology has applications in several disciplines of science, and as such is further divided.

==Histological examination of the immune system==
Even before the concept of [[immunity (medical)|immunity]] (from ''immunis'', Latin for "exempt") was developed, Patrick was illuminating the nature of the field through various sexual experiments. He has performed over 900 live shows of "Two Guys, One Horse" and is expected to set a Guinness World record soon, as the man with the most STDs from any country. Also, he is suspected to be emo because of his vast musical library containing the most arm-slitting, eye-gouging, incestuous songs you've every heard. What? no response patrick? numerous early physicians characterised organs that would later prove to be part of the immune system. The key primary lymphoid organs of the immune system are [[thymus]] and [[bone marrow]], and secondary lymphatic tissues such as [[spleen]], [[tonsil]]s, [[lymphatic system|lymph vessels]], [[lymph node]]s, [[adenoid]]s, and [[skin]]. When health conditions warrant, immune system organs including the thymus, spleen, portions of bone marrow, lymph nodes and secondary lymphatic tissues can be [[surgery|surgically]] excised for examination while patients are still alive.

Many components of the immune system are actually [[cell (biology)|cell]]ular in nature and not associated with any specific organ but rather are embedded or circulating in various [[tissue (anatomy)|tissues]] located throughout the body.

==Classical immunology==

Classical immunology ties in with the fields of [[epidemiology]] and [[medicine]]. It studies the relationship between the body systems, [[pathogen]]s, and immunity. The earliest written mention of immunity can be traced back to the [[Pandemic|plague]] of [[Athens]] in 430 BCE. [[Thucydides]] noted that people who had recovered from a previous bout of the disease could [[nurse]] the sick without contracting the illness a second time. Many other ancient societies have references to this phenomenon, but it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries before the concept developed into scientific theory.

The study of the molecular and cellular components that comprise the immune system, including their function and interaction, is the central science of immunology. The immune system has been divided into a more primitive [[innate immunity|innate immune system]], and [[adaptive immunity|acquired or adaptive immune system]] of vertebrates, the latter of which is further divided into [[humoral immunity|humoral]] and [[cell-mediated immunity|cellular components]].

The humoral (antibody) response is defined as the interaction between [[antibody|antibodies]] and [[antigen]]s. Antibodies are specific proteins released from a certain class of immune cells (B lymphocytes). Antigens are defined as anything that elicits generation of antibodies, hence they are '''Anti'''body '''Gen'''erators. Immunology itself rests on an understanding of the properties of these two biological entities. However, equally important is the cellular response, which can not only kill infected cells in its own right, but is also crucial in controlling the antibody response. Put simply, both systems are highly interdependent.

In the 21st century, immunology has broadened its horizons with much research being performed in the more specialized niches of immunology. This includes the immunological function of cells, organs and systems not normally associated with the immune system, as well as the function of the immune system outside classical models of immunity.

==Clinical immunology== 
Clinical immunology is the study of [[disease]]s caused by disorders of the immune system (failure, aberrant action, and malignant growth of the cellular elements of the system). It also involves diseases of other systems, where immune reactions play a part in the pathology and clinical features.

The diseases caused by disorders of the immune system fall into two broad categories: [[immunodeficiency]], in which parts of the immune system fail to provide an adequate response (examples include [[chronic granulomatous disease]]), and [[autoimmunity]], in which the immune system attacks its own host's body (examples include [[systemic lupus erythematosus]], [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[Hashimoto's disease]] and [[myasthenia gravis]]). Other immune system disorders include different [[hypersensitivity|hypersensitivities]], in which the system responds inappropriately to harmless compounds ([[asthma]] and other [[allergy|allergies]]) or responds too intensely.

The most well-known disease that affects the immune system itself is [[Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome|AIDS]], caused by [[HIV]]. AIDS is an immunodeficiency characterized by the lack of CD4+ ("helper") [[T cells]] and [[macrophages]], which are destroyed by HIV.

Clinical immunologists also study ways to prevent [[transplant rejection]], in which the immune system attempts to destroy [[allograft]]s or [[xenograft]]s.

==Immunotherapy==
:''See main article [[Immunotherapy]]''

The use of immune system components to treat a disease or disorder is known as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is most commonly used in the context of the treatment of [[cancer]]s together with [[chemotherapy]] ([[Medication|drug]]s) and [[radiotherapy]] ([[electromagnetic radiation|radiation]]). However, immunotherapy is also often used in the immunosuppressed (such as [[HIV]] patients) and people suffering from other immune deficiencies or autoimmune diseases.

==Diagnostic immunology==
:''See main article [[Diagnostic immunology]]''
The specificity of the bond between antibody and antigen has made it an excellent tool in the detection of substances in a variety of diagnostic techniques. Antibodies specific for a desired [[antigen]] can be conjugated with a radiolabel, fluorescent label, or color-forming enzyme and are used as a "probe" to detect it.

==Evolutionary immunology==
Study of the immune system in extant and [[extinction|extinct]] species is capable of giving us a key understanding of the [[evolution]] of species and the immune system.

A development of complexity of the immune system can be seen from simple phagocytotic protection of single celled organisms, to circulating antimicrobial peptides in insects to lymphoid organs in vertebrates. Of course, like much of evolutionary observation, these physical properties are often seen from the [[anthropocentric]] aspect. It should be recognized that every organism living today has an immune system absolutely capable of protecting it from most forms of harm; those organisms that did not adapt their immune systems to external threats are no longer around to be observed.

[[Insect]]s and other [[arthropod]]s, while not possessing true adaptive immunity, show highly evolved systems of innate immunity, and are additionally protected from external injury (and exposure to pathogens) by their [[chitin]]ous shells.

==See also==
* [[Autoimmunity]]
* [[List of immunologists]]
* [[History of immunology]]
* [[Serology]]
* [[Immunodeficiency]]
* [[Medical technologist]]
* [[Osteoimmunology]]

== References ==
* [http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Immunology Wikibooks Immunology Textbook]
* Goldsby RA, Kindt TK, Osborne BA and Kuby J (2003) '''Immunology''', 5th Edition, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, New York, ISBN 0-7167-4947-5

== External links ==
{{WVD}}
* [http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcimmunol/ BMC: Immunology]- [[BioMed Central]]:Immunology is an [[open access journal]] publishing original peer-reviewed research articles.
* [[Nature Reviews Immunology]] ([http://www.nature.com/nri/index.html journal home])
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=imm.TOC&depth=2 Janeway's Immunobiology textbook] Searchable free online version at the [[National Center for Biotechnology Information]]
* [http://www.lib.mcg.edu/edu/esimmuno/progmenu.htm Overview] at [[Medical College of Georgia]]
* [http://www.mugen-noe.org/ MUGEN NoE] murine models for immunological disease
* [http://medweb2.unige.ch/immunologie/ Transplantation Immunology] Interesting web site made by the faculty of medicine of the University of Geneva dealing with the immunological issues linked with the transplantation of materials genetically different between donor and recipient (hematopoietical stem cells, organs or the transfusion of blood).
* [http://media.med.sc.edu/microbiology2007/ Online lectures in immunology] University of South Carolina
* [http://www.brt-labs.com/ BRT-Burleson Research Technologies] Tests the effects of pharmaceuticals in the developmental stage on the immune system.
* [http://www.dayofimmunology.org/ April the 29th - the annual Day of Immunology]
* [http://www.fleming.gr Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Institute of Immunology]
* [http://www.immport.org The Immunology Database and Analysis Portal] - an NIAID-funded database resource of reference and experiment data covering the entire immunology domain

{{Medicine}}
{{Immune system}}
[[Category:Immunology| ]]
[[Category:Subjects taught in medical school]]

{{Link FA|de}}

[[af:Immunologie]]
[[ar:علم المناعة]]
[[bs:Imunologija i imunohematologija]]
[[bg:Имунология]]
[[ca:Immunologia]]
[[cs:Imunologie]]
[[da:Immunologi]]
[[de:Immunologie]]
[[et:Immunoloogia]]
[[es:Inmunología]]
[[eo:Imunologio]]
[[eu:Immunologia]]
[[fa:ایمنی‌شناسی]]
[[fr:Immunologie]]
[[gl:Inmunoloxía]]
[[ko:면역학]]
[[hr:Imunologija]]
[[id:Imunologi]]
[[it:Immunologia]]
[[he:אימונולוגיה]]
[[lb:Immunologie]]
[[lt:Imunologija]]
[[hu:Immunológia]]
[[ms:Immunologi]]
[[nl:Immunologie]]
[[ja:免疫学]]
[[no:Immunologi]]
[[pl:Immunologia]]
[[pt:Imunologia]]
[[ro:Imunologie]]
[[ru:Иммунология]]
[[sq:Imunologjia]]
[[simple:Immunology]]
[[sk:Imunológia]]
[[sl:Imunologija]]
[[sr:Имунологија]]
[[sh:Imunologija]]
[[fi:Immunologia]]
[[sv:Immunologi]]
[[th:วิทยาภูมิคุ้มกัน]]
[[vi:Miễn dịch học]]
[[tr:İmmünoloji]]
[[uk:Імунологія]]
[[ur:مناعیات]]
[[zh:免疫学]]

Immunology basics

2008-09-17T21:02:11Z

198.82.79.150: /* Histological examination of the immune system */

'''Immunology''' is a broad branch of [[biomedical science|biomedical]] [[science]] that covers the study of all aspects of the [[immune system]] in all [[organism]]s. It deals with, among other things, the [[physiology|physiological]] functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders ([[autoimmune diseases]], [[hypersensitivity|hypersensitivities]], [[immune deficiency]], [[transplant rejection]]); the physical, chemical and physiological characteristics of the components of the immune system [[in vitro]], [[in situ]], and [[in vivo]]. Immunology has applications in several disciplines of science, and as such is further divided.

==Histological examination of the immune system==
Even before the concept of [[immunity (medical)|immunity]] (from ''immunis'', Latin for "exempt") was developed, Patrick was illuminating the nature of the field through various sexual experiments. He has performed over 900 live shows of "Two Guys, One Horse" and is expected to set a Guinness World record soon, as the man with the most STDs from any country. Also, he is suspected to be emo because of his vast musical library containing the most arm-slitting, eye-gouging, incestuous songs you've every heard. numerous early physicians characterised organs that would later prove to be part of the immune system. The key primary lymphoid organs of the immune system are [[thymus]] and [[bone marrow]], and secondary lymphatic tissues such as [[spleen]], [[tonsil]]s, [[lymphatic system|lymph vessels]], [[lymph node]]s, [[adenoid]]s, and [[skin]]. When health conditions warrant, immune system organs including the thymus, spleen, portions of bone marrow, lymph nodes and secondary lymphatic tissues can be [[surgery|surgically]] excised for examination while patients are still alive.

Many components of the immune system are actually [[cell (biology)|cell]]ular in nature and not associated with any specific organ but rather are embedded or circulating in various [[tissue (anatomy)|tissues]] located throughout the body.

==Classical immunology==

Classical immunology ties in with the fields of [[epidemiology]] and [[medicine]]. It studies the relationship between the body systems, [[pathogen]]s, and immunity. The earliest written mention of immunity can be traced back to the [[Pandemic|plague]] of [[Athens]] in 430 BCE. [[Thucydides]] noted that people who had recovered from a previous bout of the disease could [[nurse]] the sick without contracting the illness a second time. Many other ancient societies have references to this phenomenon, but it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries before the concept developed into scientific theory.

The study of the molecular and cellular components that comprise the immune system, including their function and interaction, is the central science of immunology. The immune system has been divided into a more primitive [[innate immunity|innate immune system]], and [[adaptive immunity|acquired or adaptive immune system]] of vertebrates, the latter of which is further divided into [[humoral immunity|humoral]] and [[cell-mediated immunity|cellular components]].

The humoral (antibody) response is defined as the interaction between [[antibody|antibodies]] and [[antigen]]s. Antibodies are specific proteins released from a certain class of immune cells (B lymphocytes). Antigens are defined as anything that elicits generation of antibodies, hence they are '''Anti'''body '''Gen'''erators. Immunology itself rests on an understanding of the properties of these two biological entities. However, equally important is the cellular response, which can not only kill infected cells in its own right, but is also crucial in controlling the antibody response. Put simply, both systems are highly interdependent.

In the 21st century, immunology has broadened its horizons with much research being performed in the more specialized niches of immunology. This includes the immunological function of cells, organs and systems not normally associated with the immune system, as well as the function of the immune system outside classical models of immunity.

==Clinical immunology== 
Clinical immunology is the study of [[disease]]s caused by disorders of the immune system (failure, aberrant action, and malignant growth of the cellular elements of the system). It also involves diseases of other systems, where immune reactions play a part in the pathology and clinical features.

The diseases caused by disorders of the immune system fall into two broad categories: [[immunodeficiency]], in which parts of the immune system fail to provide an adequate response (examples include [[chronic granulomatous disease]]), and [[autoimmunity]], in which the immune system attacks its own host's body (examples include [[systemic lupus erythematosus]], [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[Hashimoto's disease]] and [[myasthenia gravis]]). Other immune system disorders include different [[hypersensitivity|hypersensitivities]], in which the system responds inappropriately to harmless compounds ([[asthma]] and other [[allergy|allergies]]) or responds too intensely.

The most well-known disease that affects the immune system itself is [[Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome|AIDS]], caused by [[HIV]]. AIDS is an immunodeficiency characterized by the lack of CD4+ ("helper") [[T cells]] and [[macrophages]], which are destroyed by HIV.

Clinical immunologists also study ways to prevent [[transplant rejection]], in which the immune system attempts to destroy [[allograft]]s or [[xenograft]]s.

==Immunotherapy==
:''See main article [[Immunotherapy]]''

The use of immune system components to treat a disease or disorder is known as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is most commonly used in the context of the treatment of [[cancer]]s together with [[chemotherapy]] ([[Medication|drug]]s) and [[radiotherapy]] ([[electromagnetic radiation|radiation]]). However, immunotherapy is also often used in the immunosuppressed (such as [[HIV]] patients) and people suffering from other immune deficiencies or autoimmune diseases.

==Diagnostic immunology==
:''See main article [[Diagnostic immunology]]''
The specificity of the bond between antibody and antigen has made it an excellent tool in the detection of substances in a variety of diagnostic techniques. Antibodies specific for a desired [[antigen]] can be conjugated with a radiolabel, fluorescent label, or color-forming enzyme and are used as a "probe" to detect it.

==Evolutionary immunology==
Study of the immune system in extant and [[extinction|extinct]] species is capable of giving us a key understanding of the [[evolution]] of species and the immune system.

A development of complexity of the immune system can be seen from simple phagocytotic protection of single celled organisms, to circulating antimicrobial peptides in insects to lymphoid organs in vertebrates. Of course, like much of evolutionary observation, these physical properties are often seen from the [[anthropocentric]] aspect. It should be recognized that every organism living today has an immune system absolutely capable of protecting it from most forms of harm; those organisms that did not adapt their immune systems to external threats are no longer around to be observed.

[[Insect]]s and other [[arthropod]]s, while not possessing true adaptive immunity, show highly evolved systems of innate immunity, and are additionally protected from external injury (and exposure to pathogens) by their [[chitin]]ous shells.

==See also==
* [[Autoimmunity]]
* [[List of immunologists]]
* [[History of immunology]]
* [[Serology]]
* [[Immunodeficiency]]
* [[Medical technologist]]
* [[Osteoimmunology]]

== References ==
* [http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Immunology Wikibooks Immunology Textbook]
* Goldsby RA, Kindt TK, Osborne BA and Kuby J (2003) '''Immunology''', 5th Edition, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, New York, ISBN 0-7167-4947-5

== External links ==
{{WVD}}
* [http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcimmunol/ BMC: Immunology]- [[BioMed Central]]:Immunology is an [[open access journal]] publishing original peer-reviewed research articles.
* [[Nature Reviews Immunology]] ([http://www.nature.com/nri/index.html journal home])
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=imm.TOC&depth=2 Janeway's Immunobiology textbook] Searchable free online version at the [[National Center for Biotechnology Information]]
* [http://www.lib.mcg.edu/edu/esimmuno/progmenu.htm Overview] at [[Medical College of Georgia]]
* [http://www.mugen-noe.org/ MUGEN NoE] murine models for immunological disease
* [http://medweb2.unige.ch/immunologie/ Transplantation Immunology] Interesting web site made by the faculty of medicine of the University of Geneva dealing with the immunological issues linked with the transplantation of materials genetically different between donor and recipient (hematopoietical stem cells, organs or the transfusion of blood).
* [http://media.med.sc.edu/microbiology2007/ Online lectures in immunology] University of South Carolina
* [http://www.brt-labs.com/ BRT-Burleson Research Technologies] Tests the effects of pharmaceuticals in the developmental stage on the immune system.
* [http://www.dayofimmunology.org/ April the 29th - the annual Day of Immunology]
* [http://www.fleming.gr Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Institute of Immunology]
* [http://www.immport.org The Immunology Database and Analysis Portal] - an NIAID-funded database resource of reference and experiment data covering the entire immunology domain

{{Medicine}}
{{Immune system}}
[[Category:Immunology| ]]
[[Category:Subjects taught in medical school]]

{{Link FA|de}}

[[af:Immunologie]]
[[ar:علم المناعة]]
[[bs:Imunologija i imunohematologija]]
[[bg:Имунология]]
[[ca:Immunologia]]
[[cs:Imunologie]]
[[da:Immunologi]]
[[de:Immunologie]]
[[et:Immunoloogia]]
[[es:Inmunología]]
[[eo:Imunologio]]
[[eu:Immunologia]]
[[fa:ایمنی‌شناسی]]
[[fr:Immunologie]]
[[gl:Inmunoloxía]]
[[ko:면역학]]
[[hr:Imunologija]]
[[id:Imunologi]]
[[it:Immunologia]]
[[he:אימונולוגיה]]
[[lb:Immunologie]]
[[lt:Imunologija]]
[[hu:Immunológia]]
[[ms:Immunologi]]
[[nl:Immunologie]]
[[ja:免疫学]]
[[no:Immunologi]]
[[pl:Immunologia]]
[[pt:Imunologia]]
[[ro:Imunologie]]
[[ru:Иммунология]]
[[sq:Imunologjia]]
[[simple:Immunology]]
[[sk:Imunológia]]
[[sl:Imunologija]]
[[sr:Имунологија]]
[[sh:Imunologija]]
[[fi:Immunologia]]
[[sv:Immunologi]]
[[th:วิทยาภูมิคุ้มกัน]]
[[vi:Miễn dịch học]]
[[tr:İmmünoloji]]
[[uk:Імунологія]]
[[ur:مناعیات]]
[[zh:免疫学]]

Archive:Learning to learn a wiki way

2006-11-06T16:55:52Z

198.82.101.196: /* Why is this project needed? */

This is a proposed project to be conducted as a piece of [[w:Participatory action research|Participatory action research]] (PAR). Participatory action research is when the actions a group take to empower themselves by changing or developing a social practice are informed by critical reflection - a process which then prompts further development of their practice.

This comprises four elements; participation, social action or practice, critical reflection and empowerment. PAR is an approach to developing or changing a social practice. Social practice can be defined as recurring activities that involve groups of people working together. In a learning context this ranges from reading (the interaction of reader and author) to implementing national and international educational policies via self study, learning groups, workplace learning or educational institutions. However not all social practices can be the subject of PAR. This is because all the people involved in PAR should be participants. They should also be part of the planning and decision making process. In the context of education this means that the learners need to become learning facilitators and that the subjects of the research should become the active researchers. Participation extends to the choice of what social practice should be subjected to PAR. The action taken to develop or create the chosen social practice needs to be informed by critical reflection. This means looking at the historical, political, cultural, economic, geographic and other contexts of the social practice before and after any interventions by the participants. This analysis is used to inform what further action needs to be taken to develop the social practice further. Finally this whole processor needs to result in the empowerment of all those involved. Further it should provide support for others to empower themselves from the lessons learnd during the Participatory Action Research.

==Why is this project needed?==
The mission of Wikiversity is to make educational content accessible, in a curriculum framework, which includes multimedia and which tracks individual learning progress and organizes material for the individual so they progress in the subject. This project aims to explore methods of creating effective multimedia learning programs.

==What are the objective this project hopes to achieve?==
*The project aims to produce an exemplar for a learning project
*Develop methods of collaboration
*Improve the Wikipedia article [[w:Participatory action research|Participatory action research]].

==Who will be involved in this project?==
This project is open to everyone (as, indeed, it is the central question which Wikiversity participants hope to answer through their work). As a tactic to move this project forward, active members of the community will be asked if they wish to contribute.

==How long will this project take?==
This is an open ended project. However it is important that it builds some momentum so a time line will be developed. The project is hoped to get going by November 2006.

==How will this project be conducted?==
*The first step is for the group to make a preliminary identification of the social practice they want to investigate.
**If we are introspective, we could select a common wiki social practice such as how sysops are selected.
*The second step is to plan a set of interventions.
*The third step is to implement these interventions.
*The fourth step is to evaluate the consequences of these interventions.
The cycle is then repeated by redefining the social practice in the light of the interventions.

==What needs to be done?==
*Recruit participants
*Discuss methodology
*Refine the initial outline of this learning project
*Plan what changes need to be made to improve this learning project
*Implement these changes
*Evaluate the outcomes of these changes

==Active participants==
* [[User:Mystictim|Mystictim]]
* [[User:Cormaggio|Cormaggio]] 16:08, 7 October 2006 (UTC)
* --[[User:Leighblackall|Leighblackall]] 07:43, 25 October 2006 (UTC)

Archive:Learning to learn a wiki way

2006-11-06T16:55:20Z

198.82.101.196: /* Why is this project needed? */

This is a proposed project to be conducted as a piece of [[w:Participatory action research|Participatory action research]] (PAR). Participatory action research is when the actions a group take to empower themselves by changing or developing a social practice are informed by critical reflection - a process which then prompts further development of their practice.

This comprises four elements; participation, social action or practice, critical reflection and empowerment. PAR is an approach to developing or changing a social practice. Social practice can be defined as recurring activities that involve groups of people working together. In a learning context this ranges from reading (the interaction of reader and author) to implementing national and international educational policies via self study, learning groups, workplace learning or educational institutions. However not all social practices can be the subject of PAR. This is because all the people involved in PAR should be participants. They should also be part of the planning and decision making process. In the context of education this means that the learners need to become learning facilitators and that the subjects of the research should become the active researchers. Participation extends to the choice of what social practice should be subjected to PAR. The action taken to develop or create the chosen social practice needs to be informed by critical reflection. This means looking at the historical, political, cultural, economic, geographic and other contexts of the social practice before and after any interventions by the participants. This analysis is used to inform what further action needs to be taken to develop the social practice further. Finally this whole processor needs to result in the empowerment of all those involved. Further it should provide support for others to empower themselves from the lessons learnd during the Participatory Action Research.

==Why is this project needed?==
The mission of Wikiversity is to make educational content accessible, in a curriculum framework, which includes multimedia and which tracks individual learning progress and organizes material for the individual so they progress in the subject matter. This project aims to explore methods of creating effective multimedia learning programs.

==What are the objective this project hopes to achieve?==
*The project aims to produce an exemplar for a learning project
*Develop methods of collaboration
*Improve the Wikipedia article [[w:Participatory action research|Participatory action research]].

==Who will be involved in this project?==
This project is open to everyone (as, indeed, it is the central question which Wikiversity participants hope to answer through their work). As a tactic to move this project forward, active members of the community will be asked if they wish to contribute.

==How long will this project take?==
This is an open ended project. However it is important that it builds some momentum so a time line will be developed. The project is hoped to get going by November 2006.

==How will this project be conducted?==
*The first step is for the group to make a preliminary identification of the social practice they want to investigate.
**If we are introspective, we could select a common wiki social practice such as how sysops are selected.
*The second step is to plan a set of interventions.
*The third step is to implement these interventions.
*The fourth step is to evaluate the consequences of these interventions.
The cycle is then repeated by redefining the social practice in the light of the interventions.

==What needs to be done?==
*Recruit participants
*Discuss methodology
*Refine the initial outline of this learning project
*Plan what changes need to be made to improve this learning project
*Implement these changes
*Evaluate the outcomes of these changes

==Active participants==
* [[User:Mystictim|Mystictim]]
* [[User:Cormaggio|Cormaggio]] 16:08, 7 October 2006 (UTC)
* --[[User:Leighblackall|Leighblackall]] 07:43, 25 October 2006 (UTC)