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Immunology

Problems with the immune system are linked to many serious health conditions.

Immunology is the study of the system that protects our body from infections. Problems with the immune system are linked to many serious health conditions. Our immunology researchers are discovering how the immune system functions in health and disease.

Our immunology research

One-third of our research effort is devoted to immunology. Our researchers are:

  • Defining the basic functions of immune cells, how these cells develop, and how they are controlled.
  • Revealing what goes wrong in immune disorders including inflammation, autoimmunity, immune deficiency, as well as infectious diseases and cancer.
  • Developing new treatments for disease based on immune system modification.

What is immunology?

Immunology is the study of the immune system, which is comprised of specialised cells and molecules. These work together to protect our body from infection by bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. The immune system can also prevent the formation of some cancers.

Our immune system can stop most microbes from entering the body, and can stifle their growth and spread. Sometimes, the immune system cannot prevent an infection. Some microbes have developed sophisticated strategies to evade the immune system, allowing them to survive and reproduce within the body.

Find out how you can support our research

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Illuminate Summer 2023
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