Immunology and immunochemistry

Abstract Immunology is one of the most rapidly emerging branches of biological and medical science, which involve the study of immune system. The system of immunity is designed to defend the body from invading organisms through various defensive barriers. The two fundamental defense lines of immune system are the innate and adaptive immunity in addition to the physical and chemical barriers. The first line of defense to an invading organism called the innate immunity is initiated immediately after aggression, nonspecific (antigen independent) and has no immunologic memory. Whereas, adaptive immunity is specific (antigen-dependent) and has immunologic memory enabling the host for a more efficient and rapid immune response against antigen exposure. Immunochemistry involves the study of the functions of immune system on the basis of molecular mechanisms underlying the antigen–antibody specificity and their interaction. Immunochemistry and its techniques can be applied for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, brain trauma, microbial infections, and muscle diseases through developing locus-specific monoclonal antibodies.