Summary of key facts SARS-CoV-2 was initially detected in December 2019 and is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus causing an extremely contagious severe respiratory illness with a high rate of mortality. Whole genome sequencing confirmed COVID-19 to be 79.6% similar…
Summary of key facts The human microbiota is composed of bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, protozoa, and archaea. Because of its commensal relationship with the host, it is identified as a functioning organ system. The gut microbiota has been shown to…
Summary of key facts The natural history of a human malignancy and its relationship to the host immune system has been described as comprising the “three Es”: elimination, equilibrium, and escape. In order to progress, the tumor needs to escape…
Summary of key facts Professor Paul Ehrlich is credited with introducing the concept of cancers as non-self and proposing the concept of tumor immune surveillance in 1909. Evidence for tumor immunity was suggested by early animal tumor transplantation experiments carried…