Comparative Immunology: A Journey of Immunity

Abstract

Comparative immunology is a branch of immunology which deals with study of immune systems during evolution. With the introduction of a journal, Developmental and Comparative Immunology and the establishment of International Society of Developmental and Comparative Immunology (ISDCI) in or around 1977, comparative immunology has become an established branch. Immune system is divided into two major groups: adaptive (clonal and specific) and innate (nonclonal and nonspecific). Invertebrates have cellular and humoral responses which are mostly innate while vertebrates have both innate as well as adaptive immunity. Comparative immunology combines interrelated mechanisms and concepts which are based upon firm molecular information. Immunity differs in vertebrates, invertebrates and humans in some aspects, but the final aim of immunity is to protect the animal against all the harmful substances, i.e., bacteria, toxins, etc., for survival.

Keywords: Immunology, vertebrate, invertebrate, antigen