HIV and AIDS

Immune Responses

The Immune system is composed of cells, organs, and proteins that work together to protect the body from viruses, bacteria, and other invaders. The immune response is the way in which your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and other substances that are foreign and harmful. It is the job of the immune system to protect our bodies from harmful invaders by recognizing and responding to antigens. Typically proteins, antigens reside of the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, or bacteria, but antigens also may be non-living substances including toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles like splinters. The immune system remembers, recognizes, and destroys antigen-containing substances.