Immune Disorders

The immune system is a collection of cells and pathways that form the inherent self-defense mechanism in the body. When functioning properly, it distinguishes between the body’s own healthy cells and potentially damaging agents, including viruses, bacteria, and cancerous cells. An immune system disorder is a dysfunction of these processes. This disorder may be due to any of the following:

• Abnormal low activity (immune deficiency)
• Abnormal overactivity (allergy)
• Abnormal response against own tissues (autoimmune)

[Page 558]Immune disorders usually require lifelong treatment, along with the risks of long-term adverse effects. Stem cell therapy provides hope for a permanent cure to several illnesses. Hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cell transplantation is commonly performed treatment for several primary immunodeficiency disorders. In autoimmune disorders, studies have demonstrated profound healing activity with stem cell therapy.