What term describes issues when the immune system is not functioning or missing a process?

In the context of the immune system, the term that accurately describes issues arising when the immune system is not functioning properly or is deficient in some aspect is "immunodeficiencies." This term encompasses a variety of conditions where the immune response is reduced or completely absent, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.

Immunodeficiencies can be classified into primary (congenital) deficiencies, which are usually genetic disorders affecting immune system components, and secondary (acquired) deficiencies, which can result from factors such as infections (like HIV), malnutrition, or the use of immunosuppressive medications.

By contrast, autoimmunity refers to scenarios where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, allergies involve inappropriate immune responses to harmless substances, and pathologies generally refer to diseases and disorders, not specifically linked to immune system deficiencies. Therefore, emphasizing the nature of immunodeficiencies provides a more precise understanding of immune system dysfunctions and the resulting vulnerabilities.