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Related Concept Videos

Active versus Passive Immunity01:31

Active versus Passive Immunity

Immunity, along with the ability to limit pathogen growth to prevent significant body tissue damage, can be gained either by (1) actively developing an immune response within the individual after exposure to a pathogen or after getting vaccinated or (2) passively transferring immune components from an immune individual to one who is nonimmune. Both these forms of immunity can be found naturally and in medical practices.
Active Immunity
Active immunity refers to the resistance one develops...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Infection01:20

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity01:21

Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity

The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
Defense Mechanism Against Infection01:26

Defense Mechanism Against Infection

Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...

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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Natural Killer Cell Lytic Activity in Human Whole Blood
08:14

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Natural Killer Cell Lytic Activity in Human Whole Blood

Published on: March 17, 2017

Physical activity, immunity and infection.

J Romeo1, J Wärnberg, T Pozo

  • 1Immunonutrition Research Group, Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain. jromeo@if.csic.es

The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
|June 24, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Regular physical activity offers health benefits, but its impact on immune function and infection risk is debated. Moderate exercise may boost immunity, especially in sedentary individuals, while intensive exercise can suppress it.

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Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Natural Killer Cell Lytic Activity in Human Whole Blood
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Published on: March 17, 2017

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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
05:59

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity

Published on: March 7, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Exercise immunology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Scientific evidence links regular physical activity to numerous health benefits.
  • The precise effects of physical activity on immune function and infection risk remain under investigation.
  • Intensive exercise can suppress immune cell activity, whereas moderate activity may stimulate immune functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the relationship between different physical activity levels and immune function.
  • To explore the potential of physical activity as a tool for health protection in athletes and the general population.
  • To identify knowledge gaps regarding the mechanisms translating physical activity into health benefits.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies examining physical activity, immune function, and infection risk.
  • Analysis of research on moderate versus intensive exercise effects on immune cells.
  • Consideration of factors like fitness status and nutrition.

Main Results:

  • Moderate physical activity may enhance immune function, particularly in less fit or sedentary individuals.
  • The pre-event fitness status is a significant factor in the physical activity-immune function relationship.
  • Mechanisms underlying these effects and optimal exercise protocols require further elucidation.
  • Nutritional interventions to counteract exercise-induced immune suppression in athletes have yielded inconclusive results.

Conclusions:

  • Physical activity programs, especially moderate-intensity ones, show promise for improving health, particularly in aging populations.
  • Further research is essential to fully understand the extent to which physical activity training influences immune function.
  • The interplay between physical activity, nutrition, and immune health warrants continued investigation.