DefinitionImmunodeficiency disorders occur when the body's immune response is reduced or absent.See also: Autoimmune disordersAlternative NamesImmunosuppressionCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe immune system is made up of lymphoid tissue in the body, which includes the bone marrow, lymph nodes, thymus, tonsils, and parts of the spleen and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, there are proteins and cells in the blood that are part of the immune system.The immune system helps protect the body from harmful substances called antigens. Examples of antigens include bacteria, viruses, toxins, cancer cells, and foreign blood or tissues from another person or species.When the immune system detects an antigen, it responds by producing proteins called antibodies that destroy the harmful substanc