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Q J Med 1999; 92: 235-237
© 1999 Association of Physicians

Editorial

Innate immunity and the biological relevance of the acquired immune response

D.T. Fearon

University of Cambridge

Innate immunity has been considered to be a semi-obsolescent hold-over from invertebrate immunity that had been largely superseded by the acquired (adaptive) immune system of vertebrates. Recently, however, it has become apparent that innate immunity collaborates with acquired immunity to create an effective anti-microbial immune response. This realization may enhance our understanding of host–pathogen interactions and auto-immune disease, and facilitate the development of vaccines. This editorial reviews some of the findings that have led to this new perspective on innate immunity.

The immune system of vertebrates has been conceptually divided into two parts, innate and acquired immunity. There are many distinguishing features of the two systems, but the essential difference is genetic. The recognition proteins of the former are encoded in the germline, having evolved in invertebrates for the purpose of host defence against infection. They have been selected for their ability to recognize micro-organisms that . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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