immunologisten

Immunologists are scientists and clinicians who study the immune system. They work in basic research to uncover how immune cells and molecules recognize and defend against pathogens, and in clinical settings to diagnose, prevent, and treat immune-related diseases. Their work supports the development of vaccines, therapies that modulate immune responses, and diagnostic tools used in medicine.

Education and career paths typically combine advanced degrees in immunology or related sciences with medical training for clinician-immunologists. Researchers may hold PhDs and work in universities or research institutes, while clinicians may train as medical doctors with residency or fellowship in clinical immunology, allergy/immunology, or rheumatology. Industry roles in biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies also employ immunologists to study vaccines, immunotherapies, and diagnostic assays.

Fields within immunology include cellular immunology, humoral immunity, immunogenetics, vaccinology, transplant immunology, allergy and clinical immunology, and cancer immunology. Immunologists study how T cells, B cells, antibodies, cytokines, and innate immune components coordinate responses, as well as how immune dysfunction leads to autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, allergy, or chronic inflammation.

Techniques frequently used in immunology include flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), mass cytometry, high-throughput sequencing, and various in vitro and in vivo models. The history of immunology spans discoveries of antibodies and vaccines, with early work by scientists such as Élie Metchnikoff and Paul Ehrlich shaping the field.