| agglutination |
The
aggregation by antibodies of suspended cells or similar-sized particles (agglutinogens)
into clumps that settle. |
| anamnestic response |
In immunology, an
augmented response or memory related to a prior stimulation of the immune system by
antigen. It boosts the levels of immune substances |
| anaphylaxis |
The
unusual or exaggerated allergic reaction to antigen that leads to severe respiratory and
cardiac complications. |
| atopic allergy |
Allergic reaction
classified as type I, with a strong familial relationship; caused by allergens such as
pollen, insect venom, food, and dander; involves IgE antibody; includes symptoms of hay
fever, asthma, and skin rash. |
| autoantigen |
Molecules
that are inherently part of self but are perceived by the immune system as foreign. |
| cytotoxic or killer T-cells |
A T lymphocyte
programmed to directly affix cells and kill them |
| ELISA |
Abbreviation
for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a very sensitive serological test used to detect
antibodies in diseases such as AIDS. |
| hapten |
An incomplete or
partial antigen. Although it constitutes the determinative group and can bind antigen,
hapten cannot stimulate a full immune response without being carried by a larger protein
molecule. |
| heterophile antigen |
An
antigen present in a variety of phylogenetically unrelated species. Example: red blood
cell antigens and the glycocalyx of bacteria. |
| interleukin-1 |
A macrophage agent
(interleukin-1, or IL-1) that stimulates lymphocyte function. Stimulated T cells release
yet another interleukin (IL-2), which amplifies T-cell response by stimulating additional
T cells. T helper cells stimulated by IL-2 stimulate B-cell proliferation and promote
antibody production. |
| lymphokines |
A
soluble substance secreted by sensitized T lymphocytes upon contact with specific antigen.
About 50 types exist, and they stimulate inflammatory cells: macrophages, granulocytes and
lymphocytes. Examples: migration inhibitory factor, macrophage activating factor,
chemotactic factor. |
| memory cells |
The long-lived progeny
of a sensitized lymphocyte that remains in circulation and is genetically programmed to
react rapidly with its antigen. |
| MHC |
Major
histocompatibility complex |
| monoclonal antibodies |
An antibody produced by
a clone of lymphocytes that respond to a particular antigenic determinant and generate
identical antibodies only to that determinant |
| opsonization |
The
process of stimulating phagocytosis by affixing molecules (opsonins such as antibodies and
complement) to the surfaces of foreign cells or particles. |
| radioimmunoassay |
RIA; a highly sensitive
laboratory procedure that employs radioisotope-labeled substances to measure the levels of
antibodies or antigens in the serum |
| T cell |
A
white blood cell that is processed in the thymus gland and is involved in cell-mediated
immunity. |
| vaccination |
Originally used in
reference to inoculation with the cowpox or vaccinia virus to protect against smallpox. In
general, the term now pertains to injection of whole microbes (killed or attenuated),
toxoids, or parts of microbes as a prevention or cure for disease. |
