Specific defense mechanism is the ability of the body to develop immunity against specific pathogens, toxins or foreign things. This is possible by a special immune system that produces antibodies and/or activated lymphocytes that attack and destroy specific invading organisms or toxins. Specific defense mechanisms are also referred to as adaptive or acquired immunity (Table 1). Organisms that possess an [...]
Organ and tissue transplantation is an important treatment procedure. The tissue or organ transplanted is called a transplant or graft. The organism from which the transplant is taken is called a donor, while the individual on whom it is done is called a recipient. Antigens present in the RBC are also found widely in other cells of the body. Apart [...]
Non-specific defenses are the body's first line of defense against diseases. They are not directed against a particular pathogen. Non-specific defenses guard against all infections, regardless of their cause. It is also called as innate immunity (Fig. 2). Plants and many lower animals rely only on innate immunity and do not possess the second category of specific defense mechanisms. Nonspecific [...]