Immunopathogenesis, Immunization, and Treatment of Infectious Diseases

The immune system is critical for human survival and protects the host from invasion by pathogenic microorganisms. Knowledge of the mechanisms by which the immune system eradicates pathogens as well as those involved in the evasion of immune responses by pathogens has led to significant advances in the effort to combat the threat of infectious diseases. This includes the development of vaccination as a means to prevent and eradicate various infectious diseases and the development of drugs that target different stages of pathogen life cycle in human cells. In this chapter, the mechanisms underlying vaccination will be discussed as well as the various vaccines that are currently prescribed in the United States. The chapter also discusses the immunopathogenesis of infectious diseases such as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and tuberculosis, and examine the immune mechanisms involved in the development of sepsis, septic shock, and toxic shock syndrome.