Inflammation and Immunopathology

This topic delves into the dual role of inflammation as a protective host response and a cause of tissue damage (immunopathology). It covers the molecular and cellular events of acute and chronic inflammation, including the roles of innate immune receptors (e.g., TLRs), complement, cytokines, and cellular recruitment. It also applies these concepts to specific diseases like tuberculosis and schistosomiasis, highlighting how immune responses can contribute to pathology. For Zambian university students in Immunology, Pathology, or Medicine, this topic is essential for understanding the basis of many infectious and non-infectious diseases. The content is foundational for tertiary-level exams and provides the mechanistic background needed for clinical reasoning. In the Zambian context, where infectious diseases like TB and schistosomiasis are prevalent, understanding immunopathology is crucial for diagnosing disease severity, managing complications, and developing therapeutic strategies that modulate harmful immune responses without compromising defense.