BMSC 240 Laboratory Techniques Lecture 17: Introduction to Immunology

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on immunology and laboratory techniques.

Clonal deletion

A process in B-cell activation where non-functional or self-reactive B-cells are eliminated.

Memory B-cells

Long-lived B-cells that can rapidly produce antibodies upon subsequent exposure to antigens.

Antibody titer

The concentration of antibodies in the blood, which rises upon reinfection.

Hybridoma

A cell line that results from the fusion of a normal B-cell with a cancerous B-cell, allowing for the production of monoclonal antibodies.

Immunogenicity

The ability of a substance to induce an immune response.

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibodies produced from a single clone of B-cells, recognizing a specific epitope.

Polyclonal antibodies

Antibodies produced from multiple clones of B-cells, recognizing multiple epitopes.

Western blotting

A technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample using antibodies.

Ag (antigen)

A substance that can induce an immune response, often a protein.

Epitopes

Specific parts of an antigen that are recognized by antibodies.

Opsonization

The process of coating antigens with antibodies to enhance phagocytosis.

Chemiluminescence

The emission of light as a result of a chemical reaction, often used in detection assays.

Immunotherapy

A type of cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight the disease.