Introduction to Immunology

The learning outcomes of this lecture were more like a summary, but oh well. Also, a lot of this stuff has been covered in previous posts, so enjoy this list of links :P

Contact with microorganisms rarely causes disease
Humans are colonised with normal microbiota that is usually harmless
To cause disease a pathogen much achieve several objectives: gain access to host through a portal of entry, adhere to the host, increase in number, cause damage, leave the host through a portal of exit

• Commensal Flora and Pathogenesis

Likelihood of disease is dependent on both the effect of the pathogen on the host, and the host response to the pathogen

• Commensal Flora and Pathogenesis- virulence factors make it easier for pathogens to hang out and make you sick.
• Infections in the Immunocompromised- more detail than you need to know, but is somewhat relevant.

Barriers to entry may prevent infection before it occurs
If barriers fail, the pathogen is confronted by the cells and molecules of innate immunity
Adaptive responses are activated if innate mechanisms fail to eliminate an infection

• Innate and Adaptive Immunity

Immune memory is the basis for vaccination

• Vaccines and Immunotherapy