Question | Answer |
Agglutination: | clumping effect occurring when an antibody acts as a cross-link between two antigens |
Antibody: | a protein substance developed by the body in response to and interacting with a specific antigen |
Antigen: | substance that induces the production of antibodies antigenic determinant: |
Apoptosis: | programmed cell death that results from the digestion of deoxyribonucleic acid by endonucleases |
B cells: | cells that are important for producing a humoral immune response cellular immune response: |
Complement: | series of enzymatic proteins in the serum that, when activated, destroy bacteria and other cells |
Cytokines: | generic term for nonantibody proteins that act as intercellular mediators, as in the generation of immune response |
Cytotoxic T cells: | lymphocytes that lyse cells infected with virus; also play a role in graft rejection |
Epitope: | any component of an antigen molecule that functions as an antigenetic determinant by permitting the attachment of certain antibodies |
Genetic engineering: | emerging technology designed to enable replacement of missing or defective genes helper T cells: |
Humoral immune response: | the immune system’s second line of defense; often termed the antibody response |
Immune response: | the coordinated response of the components of the immune system to a foreign agent or organism |
Immune system: | the collection of organs, cells, tissues, and molecules that mediate the immune response |
Immunity: | the body’s specific protective response to a foreign agent or organism; resistance to disease, specifically infectious diseases |
Immunopathology: | study of diseases resulting in dysfunctions within the immune system |
Immunoregulation: | complex system of checks and balances that regulates or controls immune responses |
Interferon’s: | proteins formed when cells are exposed to viral or foreign agents; capable of activating other components of the immune system |
lymphocytes: | substances released by sensitized lymphocytes when they come in contact with specific antigens |
Memory cells: | cells that are responsible for recognizing antigens from previous exposure and mounting an immune response |
Natural killer (NK) cells: | lymphocytes that defend against microorganisms and malignant cells |
Null lymphocytes: | lymphocytes that destroy antigens already coated with the antibody |
Opsonization: | the coating of antigen–antibody molecules with a sticky substance to facilitate phagocytosis |
Phagocytic cells: | cells that engulf, ingest, and destroy foreign bodies or toxins |
Phagocytic immune response: | the immune system’s first line of defense, involving white blood cells that have the ability to ingest foreign particles |
Stem cells: | precursors of all blood cells; reside primarily in bone marrow |
Suppressor T cells: | lymphocytes that decrease B-cell activity to a level at which the immune system is compatible with life |
T cells: | cells that are important for producing a cellular immune response |