This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American The very first line of defence against any ...

The complement system is a key component of innate and adaptive immunity and therefore acts as a vital defense against invading pathogens. Deficiencies in the complement system are associated with ...

In a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers reviewed selected acute-phase proteins concerning their production, structure, and function. The advent of severe acute ...

Among people with sickle cell disease—an inherited blood disorder—acute chest syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of death. The condition is the result of red blood cells becoming stiff, sticky, and ...

Humans are protected by two branches of the immune system. Innate immunity provides built-in defense against widespread characteristics of bacteria and viruses, while adaptive immunity memorizes ...

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is one of the world’s oldest and most widely used vaccines. It was developed in the early 20th century to provide protection from tuberculosis. Surprisingly, this ...