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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #216555

Title: Immunological signaling networks: Integrating the body's immune response

Author
item Lippolis, John

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/14/2007
Publication Date: 4/20/2008
Citation: Lippolis, J.D. 2008. Immunological signaling networks: integrating the body's immune response. Journal of Animal Science. 86(14 Suppl):E53-E63.

Interpretive Summary: Immune cells are primarily responsible for eliminating pathogens or cancerous cells that cause disease. The types of cells that are activated or suppressed in response to a pathogen is dependent on a large number of cell types that when stimulated can release molecules that control the immune response. The following discussion is an overview of the immune system and its interconnection with various host cells. Specifically, how non-immune cells work together with various immune cells to respond to a disease. In addition, how the immune system can be affected by factors, such as nutrition and stress, and how the immune system can affect factors, such as fertility.

Technical Abstract: The immune system’s role is to eliminate disease from the host. Immune cells are primarily responsible for eliminating pathogens or cancerous cells. In addition, immune cells regulate the immune response affecting the types of cells that are activated or suppressed. The following discussion is an overview of the immune system and its interconnection with the host, specifically how non-immune cells work together with innate and adaptive immune cells to respond to a pathogenic challenge. In addition, how the immune system can be affected by factors, such as nutrition and stress, and how the immune system can affect factors, such as fertility.