Predictive immunology makes it possible to anticipate disease

Medicine is moving towards a model increasingly focused on prediction and prevention, in which it is possible to identify disease risks before they manifest clinically. This approach complements the traditional model, centred on treatment once symptoms appear, and opens up new possibilities for earlier and more precise care.
In this context, the study of the immune system is helping to improve the ability to anticipate various conditions. "We are at a point where we can identify the risk of certain autoimmune diseases or severe primary immunodeficiencies before the patient shows symptoms. This broadens our options for prevention and treatment," says Silvia Sánchez Ramón, Head of the Clinical Immunology Department at Ruber International Hospital.
High resolution image. This link will open using lightbox, there may be a context switchDra. Silvia Sánchez RamónOne of the key elements is immunological biomarkers, which enable the early detection of immune system abnormalities. "In diseases such as type 1 diabetes, the early identification of autoantibodies is helping us to better understand the progression of the disease and to assess earlier interventions," notes the specialist.
Likewise, the development of the concept of immunophenotyping—the detailed characterisation of immune system cell populations—enables us not only to support diagnosis but also to stratify risks, predict potential complications and guide the response to treatments in areas such as cancer, infections or autoimmune diseases.
"Today we are not only treating diseases, but we are beginning to anticipate their possible onset. We can identify which patients are most likely to develop certain conditions or to respond to a specific treatment," explains Dr Sánchez Ramón. "This contributes to a more personalised form of medicine, tailored to each patient."
This approach has implications in areas such as immunotherapy, transplants or the management of immunocompromised patients, where anticipating clinical progression can have a significant impact on prognosis.
The incorporation of these advances also poses challenges, particularly in their application in clinical practice and in the management of large volumes of data, although their potential to improve healthcare is significant.
"We are moving towards a form of medicine that takes greater account of risk and prevention. The aim is to intervene before damage occurs," concludes the specialist.
Immunology provides important tools for moving towards a more preventive, precise and patient-centred model of care.