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Colonisation of Pathogens01:25

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
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...
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,...
Immunological Memory01:23

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Multiplex Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Spatial Immune Cell Landscape of the Tumor Microenvironment
06:32

Multiplex Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Spatial Immune Cell Landscape of the Tumor Microenvironment

Published on: August 18, 2023

A Decolonial Lexicon for Immunology.

Claudio Vieira da Silva1

  • 1Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil. claudiosilva@ufu.br.

Acta Biotheoretica
|May 9, 2026
PubMed
Summary

This study proposes a decolonial paradigm shift in immunology, reframing the immune system from a war metaphor to a communication and diplomacy model within the holobiont. This relational approach offers new research and therapeutic avenues for understanding complex diseases.

Keywords:
DecolonizationHolobiontImmunologyMedical humanitiesMetaphorPhilosophy of biologyRelationalitySelf/non-self

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Immunometabolic Circuits in Infection for Advancing Host Directed Therapies
11:12

Immunometabolic Circuits in Infection for Advancing Host Directed Therapies

Published on: September 13, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Multiplex Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Spatial Immune Cell Landscape of the Tumor Microenvironment
06:32

Multiplex Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Spatial Immune Cell Landscape of the Tumor Microenvironment

Published on: August 18, 2023

Immunometabolic Circuits in Infection for Advancing Host Directed Therapies
11:12

Immunometabolic Circuits in Infection for Advancing Host Directed Therapies

Published on: September 13, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Traditional immunology uses war metaphors (body as sovereign state) rooted in colonial logic.
  • This paradigm limits understanding of symbiosis, tolerance, and relational pathologies.
  • Modern biology necessitates a re-evaluation of these historical metaphors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To advocate for a decolonial paradigm shift in immunology.
  • To reframe the immune system as a communication, governance, and diplomacy network within the holobiont.
  • To propose a new conceptual lexicon inspired by relational and ecological philosophies.

Main Methods:

  • Critically analyze the colonial genealogy of war metaphors in immunology.
  • Distinguish between historical rhetoric and scientific developments.
  • Develop a new framework using the metaphor of the body as a quilombo (diverse community).

Main Results:

  • Identified conceptual inadequacies of war metaphors in explaining modern immunology.
  • Proposed a relational framework viewing inflammation as community assembly, adaptive response as information journey.
  • Reframed pathologies (autoimmunity, cancer, immunodeficiency) as crises of communication and social cohesion.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed decolonial, relational framework offers new research and therapeutic directions.
  • This approach enhances understanding of the immune system as an integrated, ecologically conscious community.
  • The quilombo metaphor serves as a pedagogical tool for a holistic view of life.