Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Evaluation of immune responses
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. rfv1@cdc.gov
Abstract:
This chapter will present some general background material on the cellular, biochemical, and genetic mechanisms of the immune system, then focus on specific examples that illustrate the promise and pitfalls of using immune biomarkers as tools for molecular epidemiologic research and public health practice. Some of the most exciting frontiers in medical science will be discussed: early detection of cancer through autoimmunity; malignancies that arise from the immune system itself; newborn screening for lethal immune deficiencies and latent autoimmune disorders; and neurodevelopmental disabilities that could result from maternal immune responses, which protect the mother but harm the fetus. The chapter concludes with some thoughts about current challenges and future directions.
Related Concept Videos
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
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,...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses

