The Immune System I) Fundamentals Immunology is the study of the defense mechanisms that confer resistance against diseases (Klein 1990) The immune system (is) is the one responsible to protect us against the attack from external microorganisms (tizard 1995) Several defense mechanisms in different levels, some are redundant The is is adaptable(presents learning and memory Microorganisms that might cause diseases (pathogen ): viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites Antigen any molecule that can stimulate the is BIC 2005-Introduction to artificial Immune Systems- Dr Leandro Nunes de Castro 5BIC 2005 - Introduction to Artificial Immune Systems - Dr. Leandro Nunes de Castro 5 The Immune System (I) ◼ Fundamentals: ◼ Immunology is the study of the defense mechanisms that confer resistance against diseases (Klein, 1990) ◼ The immune system (IS) is the one responsible to protect us against the attack from external microorganisms (Tizard, 1995) ◼ Several defense mechanisms in different levels; some are redundant ◼ The IS is adaptable (presents learning and memory) ◼ Microorganisms that might cause diseases (pathogen): viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites ◼ Antigen: any molecule that can stimulate the IS