Trained immunity and host-pathogen interactions.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Infectious diseases cause millions of deaths globally.
• Vaccination is key for preventing infections.
• Immunity was traditionally attributed solely to the adaptive immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the emerging field of innate immune memory.
• To discuss trained immunity and tolerance.
• To explore their role in host-pathogen interactions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on innate immune memory.
• Analysis of mechanisms underlying trained immunity and tolerance.
• Synthesis of findings in the context of infectious diseases.

Main Results:

• Innate immune cells exhibit memory, distinct from adaptive immunity.
• Metabolic and epigenetic changes drive innate immune memory.
• This memory can result in hyperresponsiveness (trained immunity) or hyporesponsiveness (tolerance).

Conclusions:

• Innate immune memory represents a significant paradigm shift in immunology.
• Trained immunity and tolerance offer new perspectives on host defense.
• Understanding these processes is crucial for developing novel vaccines and therapies.