Chap 31: Assessment of Immune Function Flashcards
clumping effect occurring when an antibody acts as a cross-link between two antigens
AGGLUTINATION
substance that induces the production of antibodies
ANTIGEN
a protein substance developed by the body in response to and interacting with a specific antigen
ANTIBODY
the specific area of an antigen that binds with an antibody-combining site and determines the specificity of the antigen–antibody reaction
ANTIGENIC DETERMINANT
programmed cell death that results from the digestion of deoxyribonucleic acid by end nucleases
APOPTOSIS
cells that are important for producing a humoral immune response
B CELLS
the immune system’s third line of defense, involving the attack of pathogens by T cells
CELLULAR IMMUNE RESPONSE
series of enzymatic proteins in the serum that, when activated, destroy bacteria and other cells
COMPLEMENT
generic term for nonantibody proteins that act as intercellular mediators, as in the generation of immune response
CYTOKINES
lymphocytes that lyse cells infected with virus; also play a role in graft rejection
CYTOTOXIC T CELLS
the collection of organs, cells, tissues, and molecules that mediate the immune response
IMMUNE SYSTEM
emerging technology designed to enable replacement of missing or defective genes helper
GENETIC ENGINEERING
any component of an antigen molecule that functions as an antigenetic determinant by permitting the attachment of certain antibodies
EPITOPE
study of diseases resulting in dysfunctions within the immune system
IMMUNOPATHOLOGY
: lymphocytes that attack foreign invaders (antigens) directly
T CELLS
the immune system’s second line of defense (synonym: antibody response)
HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE
the body’s specific protective response to a foreign agent or organism; resistance to disease, specifically infectious diseases
IMMUNITY
the coordinated response of the components of the immune system to a foreign agent or organism
IMMUNE RESPONSE
lymphocytes that defend against microorganisms and malignant cells
NATURAL KILLER (NK) CELLS
cells that are responsible for recognizing antigens from previous exposure and mounting an immune response
MEMORY CELLS
complex system of checks and balances that regulates or controls immune responses
IMMUNOREGULATION
substances released by sensitized lymphocytes when they come in contact with specific antigens
LYMPHOKINES
the gradual deterioration of the immune system brought on by the aging process
IMMUNOSENESCENCE
lymphocytes that destroy antigens already coated with the antibody
NULL LYMPHOCYTES
proteins formed when cells are exposed to viral or foreign agents; capable of activating other components of the immune system
INTERFERONS
cells that engulf, ingest, and destroy foreign bodies or toxins
PHAGOCYTIC CELLS
: the coating of antigen–antibody molecules with a sticky substance to facilitate phagocytosis
OPSONIZATION
: the immune system’s first line of defense, involving white blood cells that have the ability to ingest foreign particles
PHAGOCYTIC IMMUNE RESPONSE
precursors of all blood cells; reside primarily in the bone marrow
STEM CELLS
lymphocytes that decrease B-cell activity to a level at which the immune system is compatible with life
SUPPRESSOR T CELLS
cells that are important for producing a cellular immune response
T CELLS
