Imunologi

Imunologi (immunology) is the branch of biomedical science that studies the immune system, its development, function, and role in health and disease. It explores how the body detects and defends against pathogens while distinguishing harmful from harmless substances. The immune system comprises two broad arms: innate immunity, which provides immediate, non-specific defense through barriers, phagocytes, natural killer cells, and the complement system; and adaptive immunity, which offers specific responses mediated by T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, with antibodies and the development of immunological memory.

Key concepts include antigen recognition, antigen presentation, clonal selection, and the orchestration of effector responses. Immune cells communicate via cytokines and cell-surface receptors, allowing regulation and the maintenance of tolerance to self tissues. Immunology also addresses immunopathology, such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, and the consequences of infections.

Applications of imunologi span vaccination and vaccinology, transplantation immunology, cancer immunology and immunotherapy, and the diagnosis and management of immune-mediated diseases. Subfields include clinical immunology, immunogenetics, mucosal immunology, neuroimmunology, and systems immunology. Historically, immunology emerged from observations of immunity and vaccination, progressed with the discovery of antibodies and phagocytosis, and expanded with advances in molecular biology. Modern immunology relies on techniques such as flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, sequencing, and advanced imaging to study immune responses and translate findings into therapies and preventive measures.