Medicus, Vol. 25 No. 1 Pneumonije, 2016.
Review article
Immunopathogenesis of Pneumonia
Alemka Markotić
Abstract
Pneumonia is the most important inflammatory disease of the respiratory system, although it represents only one percent of all acute respiratory infections. As in most other organs and systems of the body, immune defence mechanisms in lungs are based on the mechanisms of specific and non-specific immunity and their components that include anatomical barriers, and cellular and humoral immunity. The first line of defence against infections of the lower respiratory system consists of the elements of non-specific immunity, among which epithelial cells and macrophages have the most important role. The mechanisms of specific immunity play an important role in the defence against a variety of pathogens, they are highly sophisticated and depend on the recognition of specific antigens on the surface of microorganisms. They also provide a strong defence against a variety of pathogens that cause pneumonia. Unlike the nonspecific immunity, the induction and development of immune reactions involved in specific immunity can last for days and weeks after the exposure to the pathogen. An important component of this process is the creation of memory cells that participate in a strong immune defence to the reinfections with the same pathogens. The mechanisms of nonspecific and specific immunity to pneumonia are complex and will require more studies for better understanding and their use in the creation of new drugs and vaccines, as well as a better use of the existing drugs. In addition to an important antimicrobial effect of antibiotics, we must not disregard their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that can help us take a more rational approach to treating pneumonia.
Keywords
pneumonia; innate immunity; adaptive immunity; immunomodulatory effect of antibiotics
Hrčak ID:
161755
URI
Publication date:
13.7.2016.
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