The immune system comprises organs, tissues, cells and molecules, which protect the body against pathogens.
Detailed description
The biological defense system can be separated into an innate and an adaptive part. The innate immune system developed early in the phylogeny of living things. The adaptive immune system adjusts to new or modified pathogens. Both parts collaborate closely. Moreover, the immune system can destroy abnormal or defective cells of the own body.
An international research group led by scientists of the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) has discovered a promising new drug candidate
Infections with the hepatitis E virus often go unnoticed because they cause no symptoms. However, in patients with weakened immune systems or pre-existing liver damage, and in pregnant women, the
Changes in diet and the environment constantly pose new challenges to the human metabolism. Different organs and tissues work together in complex interactions to keep the metabolism in balance. The
Organ transplant patients usually have to take immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of their lives to prevent their bodies from rejecting the organs. This therapy suppresses the physiological immune response to tumors and infections. The therapeutic goal for this patient group is to achieve an ...
Viruses are masters at disguise. When they are pushed too far by our immune system, they send new virus variants into play that are no longer recognized by immune cells. They escape our immune system
EBViously, a spin-off of Helmholtz Munich, officially started operations on 11 November 2024. The company is developing a preventive vaccine against diseases caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
The intestinal microbiome is currently the subject of intensive research, as it is of great importance for human health. Intestinal bacteria play an essential role in the defence against dangerous
Bacterial infections are one of the most severe complications in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. The immune system of this patient group is weakened due to a complex dysfunction of the immune system (cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction, CAID). The cause of the immune system ...
