ABSTRACT
The immune system consists of macromolecules that interact through complex signalling pathways to protection us against foreign pathogens. It comprises the innate and adaptive immune system. In this chapter we discuss (i) the components of the adaptive immune system (AIS) and their role in the function of immune system, (ii) the cellular and humoral components of the immune system including antigens, antibodies secreted by B cells which comprise humoral immunity (HI) and their structure and function, (iii) the organs and cells of the immune system that confer protection against pathogens, (iv) the development of T cells and B cells, and (v) the role played by B-cell receptors (BCRs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs), and their function in the immune system and how T cells confer cell-mediated immunity (CMI). Computational immunology has been instrumental in understanding cells and their functions in the immune system. In this chapter, we discuss the applications of computational immunology in understanding haematopoiesis and T- and B-cell properties.
