DEFINITION OF TERMS Flashcards
Defined as resistance to disease, specifically infectious disease
Immunology
study of a host’s reactions when foreign substances are introduced into the body
Immunology
condition of being resistant to infection
Immunity
exposure to one infectious agent produces protection against another agent
Cross Immunity
substance that stimulates antibody formation and has the ability to bind to an antibody
Antigens
Any substance that is capable of inducing an immune response
Immunogens
a low-molecular-weight, nonantigenic substance that, when combined with an antigen,
changes the antigenic specificity of that antigen
Hapten
glycoprotein substance (immunoglobulin) that is produced by B lymphocytes in response to
an antigen.
Antibody
derived from a single B-cell clone and are produced as a single class of
immunoglobulin with specificity unique to the antigenic stimulus.
Monoclonal Antibodies
produced as different classes of immunoglobulins by many B-cell clones in response to an antigen
Polyclonal antibodies
Antibodies produced in response to antigens from another species
Hetero/Xenoantibodies
Formed in response to antigens from individuals of the same species
Alloantibodies
produced by the body’s immune system against “self” antigens
Autoantibodies
part of an antigen that reacts specifically with an antibody or T-cell receptor
Epitope
the clumping of particulate antigens by antibodies specific for the antigens
Agglutination
tendency that an epitope has for combining with the antigen-binding site on an antibody
molecule
Affinity
strength of the bond between the antigen and the antibody
Avidity
smallest amount of antigen or antibody that can be detected
Sensitivity
ability of an antibody to bind to an antigen with complementary determinants and not to an
antigen with dissimilar determinants.
Specificity
glycoprotein substances secreted by antigen-stimulated B cells
Immunoglobulins
It is the predominant immunoglobulin in secretions such as tears, saliva, sweat, breast milk, and respiratory tract, genital, and intestinal secretions
IgA
exists as a monomer, and its function is unknown
IgD
binds to crystallizable fragment (Fc) receptors on mast cells and basophils and is elevated during
parasitic infections and Type I allergic reactions
IgE
is the predominant immunoglobulin in the adult. s. It is also the only immunoglobulin that crosses
the placental barrier, thus transferring immunity from mother to infant
IgG
largest of the immunoglobulins, existing as a pentamer. It is the first immunoglobulin to be
produced after exposure to an antigen
IgM
group of proteins synthesized in mononuclear phagocytes, hepatocytes, fibroblasts, and
some endothelial cells
Complement
A small peptide formed during complement activation that causes increased vascular permeability, contraction of smooth muscle,
and release of histamine from basophils and mast cells
Anaphylatoxins
A life-threatening response to an allergen characterized by the systemic release of histamine
Anaphylaxis