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Immunity is a biological phenomenon, providing long-term autosupport of the genetic "self" and "not-self" balance in the body under foreign surroundings. The immune system develops and releases certain mechanisms to provide this support. Immunity may be innate (nonspecific) or adaptive (acquired/specific). The importance of the immune system as highlighted in the early 1980s by the emergence of AIDS, in which all of the immune disorders may occur. The immune system works closely with the central nervous system, the endocrine system and the liver to maintain homeostasis.
Function
A full blood count and a differential white cell count tell us whether there are enough white blood cells of each required type present. There is more than one way in which to determine a white blood cell's reaction capacity. One can stain the cells for cell markers that indicate an activated status - these are molecules expressed on the cell surface whenever a cell commits itself to react to a challenge. Alternatively, one can measure the concentrations of the substances the cells secrete in response to a pathogen or stimulus.
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