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Immune System Resource Allocation

Meaning

Immune system resource allocation is the complex physiological process by which the body strategically directs energy, cellular components, and metabolic substrates to support the activation, proliferation, and function of immune cells during a challenge or infection. This allocation is a critical metabolic trade-off, as diverting resources to the immune system often necessitates a temporary, energy-saving reduction in resources available for other energy-intensive processes, such as growth, reproduction, and tissue repair. Hormonal signals, particularly those related to stress and metabolism, profoundly influence this vital prioritization process.