Immune Escape

Immune escape refers to the process by which pathogens, like viruses or bacteria, develop ways to avoid detection and destruction by the immune system. This can occur through mutations that alter their surface proteins, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize them. As a result, the infection can persist longer in the body, leading to more severe disease or making vaccines less effective. Understanding immune escape is crucial for developing better treatments and vaccines, particularly for diseases like HIV, cancer, and COVID-19, where the immune system's ability to fight infection is compromised.