Immunity to Infection

Abstract The immune system comprises innate and adaptive immune responses coordinated to prevent infection. Innate immune responses are early responses based on preformed cells and effector molecules with a limited repertoire of antigen receptors. In contrast, adaptive immune responses take several days to mount, but take advantage of a very large repertoire of antigen receptors and comprises memory. The immune system must constantly face pathogen invasion strategies and at the same time avoid destruction of non‐infected host tissue. In the following review the role of the various components of the immune system and their role in immunity to infections is described.