title: Introduction to immunology.
abstract: The immune system is a complex network of components functioning to provide host defense. This network consists of immunologic cells and their products (e.g., interleukins and colony-stimulating factors), organs, tissues, complement, and major histocompatibility complex antigens. These components are organized into specific and nonspecific immune systems, the major functional activities of which include antigen presentation and cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7880.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Tami
mesh_terms: D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D007107:Immune System / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D003165:Complement System Proteins