Immune system development: Nature or breeding?

The celullar and molecular mechanisms that intervene in the immune system work as a whole to maintain health. However, in order to reach this balance that has allowed the adaptation and preservation of many species throughout time, evolution has forced an improvement in the defense mechanisms that resulted in the two types of immunity found in the human being and other species: a first line of defense, characterised by being immediate, limited and with low discrimination (innate response); and a second line of defense, which is late, specific and with high discrimination (adaptative response). However, due to their great complexity these responses may be altered in some individuals by the influence of certain factors like genetics or those concerning the environment, which include a broad spectrum of elements such as type of birth, exposure to microorganisms or antibiotics and even diet. These factors may induce inadequate immune responses that have led to the rise in atopy, allergies and autoimmune diseases around the world.

Duke Scholars

Author Maria Martinez Cruz