Section 1 : Immunologic Disorders

Abstract:

This section talks about the immunologic disorders that include immunodeficiencies and immunoproliferation. The immunodeficiencies are divided into primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. An extensive summary of the primary immunodeficiency diseases has been published by the World Health Organization. The immune system consists of specific antibodies, specifically activated cells, enzymes, effector molecules (cytokines), and effector systems (e.g., the circulation of lymph and the complement, coagulation, and neutrophil systems), all working in concert. The clinical history of the patient usually provides strong clues to the most likely area of immunodeficiency. Immunoproliferation means proliferation of some or all of the components of the immune system. It can be subdivided into three areas: (i) loss of regulation, so that a response is generated against self antigens, producing autoimmunity; (ii) hypersensitivity, leading to overexpression of particular components of the immune system; and (iii) neoplastic transformation of cells of the immune system, producing leukemias, lymphomas, and monocytic or myeloid tumors, some of which secrete monoclonal immunoglobulins or parts of immunoglobulin molecules, giving rise to the monoclonal gammopathies. The section contains tables that list immunodeficiency disorders and immunoproliferative disorders, and provide a list of commonly used CD markers and a possible classification of the immunodeficiency diseases.