Molecular mimicry a. 1. discoid vs systemic 2. IgE Mediated Hypersensitivity Reaction Discussion Immune system disorders can be characterized as either under reaction or over reaction to antigen or self antigen. A great number of factors can influence the immune system.
Age is an important factor.
In newborns the immune system is still immature, suppressor T cells are high. As one ages you get an involution of the thymus affecting maturation of T cells and you get quantitiative and qualitative decreases in cellular immunity. Genetics plays a role. There are obvious genetic disorders, many of which result in immune deficiency disorders because of the inability of the body to produce one or more immune elements. For example, Bruton's Hypogammagloulinemia is an X linked genetic disorder resulting in a deficiency of B cells.