Simply put, immunology is the study of all aspects of the immune system, including its structure and function, disorders of the immune system, blood banking, immunization, and organ transplantation.

But there is nothing simple about it. The human immune system is one of great complexity, and when it isn’t working properly, the result is disease, disorder, or other illness.

Immunologists are scientists who have specialized training in immunology. Many immunologists work in a laboratory focusing on research, either in academia or private industry (e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry). Some immunologists work as clinicians who see patients and focus on diagnosing and managing diseases of the immune system, such as allergies or autoimmune diseases.