Immunology and Radiotherapy

Parasite Immunology

The nature of most parasites' ongoing interactions with the body causes a prodigious immune response. Sadly, a large portion of this response isn't protective, and a small portion is damaging. Because parasites are protein-coated, they are susceptible to direct toxicity by macrophages, eosinophils, and neutrophils in situations when protective immunity is provided by a combination of bodily material and cellular protection. One infection can be warded off by protein alone. While non-specific and genetic variables are undoubtedly important, they are still ill-defined participants in the host response. By inducing hypersensitivity, disease that is mediated by immunology, or existing immune complexes, the immune system also responds in a harmful way. Additionally, parasites have developed unique defence mechanisms against the immune system, including the ability to modify their substance coat and cause immunological disorders. The development of efficient immunising agents may emerge from attempts to extract "host-protective" antigens in parasite diseases.