Experimental Approaches to Measure Immunocompetence

Immunity is the ability of the body to resist foreign particles and infectious disease agents. It includes highly sophisticated and dynamic network of mechanisms that are controlled by various types of proteins, cells, organs, and tissues. These elements work in a highly cooperative and interactive way to defend the host and eliminate the invading agent. This system is capable to face the infectious agents and defend the body against diseases and other antigens. In order to ensure optimal immune status, surveillance of the immune system is profoundly required to acquire baseline information about the immune functions and cells and to correct any immune imbalances and disorders. A better understanding of the quantitative and the qualitative nature of the immune system and the mechanisms with which immunomodulators affect its components provide a subtle key that would open doors to improve immunity and health.