title: The individuality of the immune response.
abstract: The high degree of polymorphism of the genes controlling the immune system makes immune reactivity of any being very individualized. Self non self recognition, rejection of non-self is the most clear and common expression of this individuality. Moreover antigen experience, chance and even psychological conditions may further affect the immune response characteristics so contributing to enhance the individuality of the "way of reacting" and, therefore, of susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases. In this perspective man can consider himself as a true biological ego.
mesh_terms: D000917:Antibody Formation; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005838:Genotype; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000254:growth & development; D007206:Individuality; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens