Definition: Immunology is a subfield of medicine, science, and biology that examines the mechanisms by which living beings, including humans, respond to an external agent (a virus or bacteria) and defend themselves against it. Immunology focuses on understanding how immune cells recognize, identify, and fight off invading pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents). This field also examines how cells in the body communicate with one another, such as through signaling pathways and receptors. The word "immunol" is a prefix that means "with immunological properties." It refers to substances or molecules that have characteristics of immunology. In immunology, immune system components can be characterized by various features, including but not limited to: - Function: Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) - Immunoglobulin response - T cell receptor - T cell function - Innate immunity - Adaptive immune response