Immune deficiency

To understand immune disorders, you need to understand the basics of how your immune system works. The immune system is made up of several organs including your spleen, tonsils, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. These organs make and release lymphocytes, which are white blood cells classified as B cells and T cells. B and T cells fight invaders called antigens. Examples of antigens are bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, or bodily fluids from a sick person. B cells release antibodies specific to the disease your body detects. T cells kill off the cells in your body that are being attacked by disease.

Part 3 of 9: Different Types

What Are the Different Types of Immunodeficiency Disorders?

Primary immunodeficiency disorders are immune disorders you are born with. Primary disorders include:

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA)

severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID disorders)

common variable immunodeficiency

Alymphocytosis (“boy in a bubble” disease)

Secondary disorders happen when your body is attacked by an outside source, such as a toxic chemical or an infection. Severe burns and radiation also can cause secondary disorders. Secondary disorders include: