Sunday, July 14, 2019

Disorders of Immune System or Immune System Dysfunctions


Immune System Disorders and It’s ConsequencesImmune System | Biotechnology



In this post we are going to discuss about the various disorders or dysfunctions of the Immune System and their impact on our life. This is a follow up post after Functions of Immune system.



Consider all previous (Mentioned above) lessons including this one as an overview of what I am going to explain in my upcoming lessons. If you have not gone through previous lessons then this is the right time to build your basics on these topics and get required information which is actually essential for every student and help you to follow my explanations in next posts.

Since I am always suggesting learning with patience and step by step learning is the best way to get the correct and useful information.

Now let’s begin with the topic,

Improper functioning of the Immune System can lead to the over activity or abnormal low activity of our immune response.

In Immune studies, the immune response to an antigen works as a “two edged sword”. It either protects or harms the host.

The Disorders of Immune System can be categorized under the following type:

·        Allergy or Asthma
·        Graft rejection and Graft versus host disease
·        Autoimmune disease
·        Immunodeficiency

·        Allergy or Asthma :


In simple words, Allergy is a process which triggers an allergic reaction.

When immune system goes the wrong way, the allergic reaction is produced by normal human body processes.

It can be like on touching a house pet or reaction to plant pollens.


Allergy Disorders of Immune System or Dysfunctions Of Immune System Learn with DeepaliTalk


Asthma is the severe symptom of immune over reaction or an allergy.

Asthma is a chronic disease of lungs, due to inflammation in the airway which results in reversible airway obstruction.

Symptoms of Asthma are:


Ø Wheezing
Ø Tightness and heaviness in chest
Ø Breathlessness


Asthma Disorders of Immune System or Dysfunctions of Immune System Learn with DeepaliTalk


·        Graft rejection and Graft versus host disease :


Skin and organ transplants from one person to the other are known as grafts.

These grafts are rejected by the host body in most of the cases due to   dysfunctioning of the immune system. They are also known as tissue rejection.

To minimize graft rejection, drugs are used to suppress the immune system of host, which makes the host more prone to various kinds of infection.

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) occurs when host cells are recognized as foreign by the donor cells and start attacking them.

Symptoms can be mild, severe or fatal also.

Graft versus host disease   is of two types:

Ø Acute GVHD
Ø Chronic GVHD

i.                   Acute GVHD :


It comprises of the following feature:

a.     Cause severe acute morbidity (weight   loss, lack of activity) leading to death.

b.     Tissue necrosis in the target organs.

c.      Th1 cytokines are produced.

d.     Immune deficiency is there.

e.      Anti host cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are reactive.

ii.                 Chronic GVHD :


The important characteristic points are:

a.     More survival rate with chronic morbidity.

b.     Occurrence of fibrosis and inflammatory changes.

c.      Production of Th2 cytokines.

d.     Auto antibodies are produced

e.      There is no anti host cytotoxic T lymphocytes reactivity.


·        Autoimmune Disease :


The function of immune system is to recognize and reject foreign body.

Due to improper functioning of immune system, the body itself starts getting damaged by its own immune system.

This process is known as Auto immune disease.

Autoimmune disease Disorders of Immune System Or Dysfunctions of Immune System Learn with Deepali Talk


i.                   Symptoms :


The symptoms vary according to the person’s immune system and the disease caused.

They include:

Ø Anxiety or depression
Ø Blood sugar change
Ø Digestive problems
Ø Fatigue and dizziness
Ø High body temperature
Ø Extreme sensitivity to cold in hands and feet

ii.                 Common Autoimmune diseases :


They are:
Ø Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Ø Rheumatoid arthritis
Ø Type I diabetes
Ø Lupus erythematosus
Ø Crohn’s disease
Ø Grave’s disease

iii.              Factors associated with Auto immune disease :


Among various reasons responsible for having autoimmune disease, some factors are also kept in mind, which are related for happening of autoimmune disease.

They are:

Ø Environmental Factors
Ø Hormonal Influence
Ø Genetic Physiology


·        Immunodeficiency :


Sometimes, immune system has its own problems within itself, which are called disorders.

Immunodeficiency is a disease which is caused when immune system is less active than its normal working phenomenon.

It can be caused as a result of genetic diseases or by a viral infection, such as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) which is caused by retrovirus HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

i.                   Types of Immunodeficiency :



   They are categorized under following three heads:

Ø Primary Immunodeficiency
Ø Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCIDS)
Ø Secondary Immunodeficiency

Ø Primary Immunodeficiency :


It is genetic based and involves lack of   B cell or T cell activity.

During B cell defect, there is a lack of Antibodies (Ab).

In T cell disorder, either thymus is missing or working abnormally.

Ø Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCIDS) :


In SCIDS, both parts of the lymphocyte system are missing or not working properly.
There is no adaptive immune response.

Ø Secondary Immunodeficiency :


This type of immunodeficiency is acquired i.e. caused due to damage after birth.
The reasons might be viral infection, drugs or radiations.

ii.                 Symptoms :


The common symptoms associated with immunodeficiency are:

Ø Pneumonia, sinus and chronic cough
Ø Cough up blood
Ø Difficulty in breathing
Ø Diarrhea
Ø Enlarged spleen

Here, we have discussed all the key points related to ImmuneSystem Disorders or Immune System Dysfunctions.


In further coming discussions, we will pick and discuss each topic extensively.
Till then, keep learning and clearing your concepts and enjoy.



There is lot more to share, Keep in touch and stay happy.
Happy BioTechnology Learning!!!