Gastrointestinal Immunology

Gastrointestinal immunology is the study of immune responses that occur at mucosal membranes of the intestines, urogenital tract, and respiratory system, i.e. planes that interact with the outside world. The mucosal immune system provides protection against infections in healthy states, but it is patient when it comes to non-harmful commensal microorganisms and benign environmental chemicals.

Immunodeficiency occurs when the immune system is less active than it should be, resulting in recurrent and potentially fatal infections. Immunodeficiency in humans can be caused by a genetic condition like unmarked joined immunodeficiency, assimilated events like HIV/AIDS, or the use of immunosuppressive medicine. Autoimmunity is caused by an overactive immune system that attacks healthy tissues as if they were foreign organisms. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus type 1, and systemic lupus erythematosus are examples of corporate autoimmune disorders. Immunology is the scientific study of all aspects of the immune system.