Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Trans-vivo Delayed Type Hypersensitivity Assay for Antigen Specific Regulation
Published on: May 2, 2013
Disease tolerance as a defense strategy
Ruslan Medzhitov1, David S Schneider, Miguel P Soares
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. ruslan.medzhitov@yale.edu
Abstract:
The immune system protects from infections primarily by detecting and eliminating the invading pathogens; however, the host organism can also protect itself from infectious diseases by reducing the negative impact of infections on host fitness. This ability to tolerate a pathogen's presence is a distinct host defense strategy, which has been largely overlooked in animal and human studies. Introduction of the notion of "disease tolerance" into the conceptual tool kit of immunology will expand our understanding of infectious diseases and host pathogen interactions. Analysis of disease tolerance mechanisms should provide new approaches for the treatment of infections and other diseases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Transduction
Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
Several...

