The 29th of April, featuring the International Day of Immunology, is dedicated to increase the global awareness on the significance of immunology in the fight against infection, autoimmunity, COVID and cancer. The world has started celebrating the day of immunology since 2005 in order to bring the immunology out of the labs and inform the general public about the recent research and work in the area of immunology.
The day has been observed as a global event since 2007. Annually, several international societies namely International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) and European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS) in collaboration with regional and national societies bring out the details of latest developments in the field of immunology and allergy to bridge the knowledge gap between public and scientific community. The collaborative efforts of these societies include:
- Increasing awareness among pubic through posters, leaflets and social media.
- Organizing seminars and lectures in offices and educational institutions.
- Conducting free immunological and allergy testing campaigns in hospitals and clinics.
Latest research has shown that immune pathogenesis might be involved in the development of many common disorders including cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Research in immunology has resulted in understanding the pathology, discovery of vaccines and treatment modalities against COVID. Immunological research has also contributed to the development of novel diagnostic tools including antibody technology and flow cytometry. Latest research has also highlighted the significance of profiling of immune dysfunction in early prediction and disease progression in COVID-19 patients. The relation between activation of meningeal lymphoid structures and acute and chronic spinal cord pathologies has also been elucidated.
In summary, the International Day of Immunology holds significant relevance to in promoting global and societal health and well-being through disease prevention, and appropriate treatment and diagnosis.