What Is Experimental Immunology?

Experimental immunology refers to the research conducted to learn more about the immune system, its role in disease, and possible treatments for a variety of disorders. For example, some researchers study local immune modulation to determine if a patient’s immune system can be taught to recognize and attack cancer cells, harnessing the body’s own disease-fighting mechanisms to treat cancer. People working in this field usually have advanced degrees in medicine, immunology, biochemistry, or related fields, and may be employed by educational institutions, private facilities, or government agencies. Researchers can choose to join professional organizations that distribute publications to share findings and other information.

The goal of experimental immunology is not to directly treat patients or necessary develop first line treatments, but to learn more about the workings of the immune system, what happens when it goes wrong, and how it can be harnessed in medical treatment. This can include studies of a variety of cell types, proteins involved in immune responses, and disorders related to the immune system. Some researchers may work with patients in the course of studies and trials or sample collection; for example, someone with a rare autoimmune disorder may agree to submit samples for research.

Scientists working in experimental immunology typically choose a particular research focus and work on developing it, conducting studies in that area, and enhancing the depth of knowledge in that field. Someone might be interested, for example, in the effects of chronic inflammation on the airways. The researcher can study the inflammatory pathways involved, cell signaling mechanisms, and other characteristics of chronic airway inflammation to learn more about the immune system’s role in this disease process. Information from this research may be used to develop prevention and treatment measures for patients with conditions like asthma.

A variety of tools are used in experimental immunology including microscopy, medical imaging studies of the living body, cell cultures, and biochemistry. In addition to highly qualified scientists, the field also employs assistants, technicians, and similar support personnel who help people collect, enter, and process data. Students also work at experimental immunology labs to support researchers and start to develop their own plans for research as they pursue advanced science degrees. Some facilities are attached to hospitals, particularly at educational institutions, providing access to patients for research and trials as well as allowing patients at those facilities to access the next generation of treatment for immunological disorders through clinical trials.