Disciplines
Immunology
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Immunology is the study of the immune system, the body's network of cells and molecules that defends against infection and, through vaccination, can be trained in advance to resist a specific disease.
Facts
Founded YearEdward Jenner's May 1796 cowpox inoculation of James Phipps, and the July 1796 test proving the boy immune to smallpox, is the conventional founding moment of immunology and of vaccination itself. Central QuestionHow does immune activity, long studied mainly for infectious disease, also contribute to the metabolic, cardiovascular, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders not traditionally viewed as immunologic? 2 ScopeImmunology studies the immune systems of all organisms, in both health and disease, including malfunctions such as autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiency. 2 SignificanceEdward Jenner's 1796 smallpox vaccination first demonstrated that deliberate exposure could confer immunity. The field gained its scientific footing over the following century through Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov's discovery of phagocytosis, for which he shared the 1908 Nobel Prize, and Paul Ehrlich's studies of graduated immunization. 2 Cross-Tradition Connections
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In the Other Atlases
- Also in Medicine Atlas: Immunology, the same subject.
Sources
1. History of Smallpox Vaccination (World Health Organization)
World Health OrganizationHistory of smallpox vaccination sectionQuote, History of smallpox vaccination section
It wasn't until May 1796 that the world's first vaccine was demonstrated, using the same principle as variolation but with a less dangerous viral source, cowpox. Having heard of local beliefs and practices in rural communities that cowpox protected against smallpox, Dr Edward Jenner inoculated 8-year-old James Phipps with matter from a cowpox sore on the hand of Sarah Nelmes, a local milkmaid.
2. Immunology (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLead sectionQuote, Lead section
Immunology is a branch of biology and medicine that covers the study of immune systems in all organisms.
2. Immunology (Wikipedia)
Edward Jenner (Britannica)
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