In: Biology
listing the five greatest advances in the field of immunology in the last 40 years. Of course, this is a matter of opinion (to a reasonable extent), Be sure to include reasons for selecting the options you chose.
The five greatest advances in the field of immunology in the last 40 years are:
1. Severe combined immunodeficiency disease was a genetic disorder where there is very less chances of survival of the baby. In 1990 gene therapy for SCID was found out which was a major breakthrough and helped in saving lot many lives.
2. HIV is a dreaded disease and there has been no cure or medicine found out so far. Recent researchers have discovered mechanisms of resistance to HIV infection.They have identified the cellular receptors used by HIV for infusing target cells. The natural ligand is capable of blocking HIV transmission in vitro.
3. The vaccine for hepatitis B was produced by genetic engineering and human papilomavirus vaccine was also developed.
4. Through research there has been a greater understanding of the role of lymphocytes in allergy, autoimmunity and infection.
5. Next dreaded disease is cancer. Its very difiicult to curb the indefinite multiplication of cells in cancer. But after intense research several immune checkpoint inhibitors were created which could be used for the treatment of melanoma,bladder cancer, prostate cancer etc. This is not an ultimate solution for the disease, but it can increase the life expectancy by several months