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Central and Peripheral Tolerance

Introduction Erlich put forward the term ‘horror autotoxicus’ to refer to the body’s aversion to immunological self-destruction, and postulated that mechanisms must prevent reaction against self Healthy individuals have a smouldering autoimmune response that can escape control (a system of many checks and balances) to cause autoimmune disorders A major area of interest is how Read More

Are Lung microbial products driving hyperinflammation in severe COVID-19?

3rd September

A recent paper in Science used a systems biology approach to determine host immune responses to COVID-19 using an array of cellular and molecular procedures. On initial immune cell screening, the authors found an increase in plasmablasts and effector CD8 T cells in the peripheral blood and a decrease in plasmacytoid dendritic cells.

The Immune Function of Osteoclasts

21st August

Osteoclasts (OCLs) are multi-nucleated phagocytes of monocytic origin that are responsible for bone resorption. Changes in their bone resorption function are associated with various pathologies such as osteoporosis, chronic inflammation and cancer. Intensive studies investigating the regulation of OCLs…

10. Central and Peripheral Tolerance

Introduction Erlich put forward the term ‘horror autotoxicus’ to refer to the body’s aversion to immunological self-destruction, and postulated that mechanisms must prevent reaction against self Healthy individuals have a smouldering autoimmune response that can escape control (a system of many checks and balances) to cause autoimmune disorders A major area of interest is how Read More

2. Role of cytokines in Immunity

Introduction Cytokines are a group of proteins and peptides that constitute the intercellular communication network of every cell system of the body, including the immune system. They function as signaling molecules to regulate the growth, differentiation, activation, and inhibition of all cellular aspects of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Chemokines are a specialized Read More

In the Red

A 55-year old HIV-infected male was referred to the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic with a four month history of a swollen face and multiple skin nodules. Three years prior to this presentation, the patient was treated at his local clinic for a persistent rash.

Case of enlarged hard tongue

A 59 year old male presents to the medical out patient department with a one month history of progressively increasing fatigue and backache.For the last month the patient has been feeling exhausted for no apparent reason…

 
 
 
 
 
 
International Union of Immunological SocietiesUniversity of South AfricaInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineElizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids FoundationStellenbosch University