Abstract

A host can evolve two types of defence mechanism to increase its fitness when challenged with a pathogen: resistance and tolerance. Immunology is a well-defined field in which the mechanisms behind resistance to infection are dissected. By contrast, the mechanisms behind the ability to tolerate infections are studied in a less methodical manner. In this Opinion, we provide evidence that animals have specific tolerance mechanisms and discuss their potential clinical impact. It is important to distinguish between these two defence mechanisms because they have different pathological and epidemiological effects. An increased understanding of tolerance to pathogen infection could lead to more efficient treatments for infectious diseases and a better description of host–pathogen interactions.

Author affiliations

1. Janelle S. Ayres and David S. Schneider are at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.

Correspondence to: David S. Schneider¹ Email: dschneider@stanford.edu

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