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Immunology
The study of the immune system and the immune response.
Immunogen
Any substance capable of inducing an immune system.
Epitope
The structure in the antigen that is recognized by the B cell or T cell.
Antigen
A substance recognized by the immune system that serves as the target of the immune response but may not necessarily lead to an immune response.
Hapten
A substance of low molecular weight that can induce an immune response if bound to another immunogenic substance.
Innate Immunity
Natural immunity that is already active from birth and provides non-specific defense against pathogens.
Adaptive Immunity
Specific immunity activated after exposure to a particular antigen, involving production of antibodies and memory.
Humoral Immunity
A type of adaptive immunity that involves antibodies produced by B cells to defend against extracellular pathogens.
Cell-Mediated Immunity
A type of adaptive immunity involving T cells that protect against intracellular pathogens.
Cytokines
Proteins that mediate communication between immune cells and regulate the immune response.
Complement System
A group of proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytes to clear pathogens.
Phagocytosis
The process by which certain immune cells ingest and destroy microbes.
Macrophages
Immune cells that engulf and digest pathogens and cellular debris.
Natural Killer Cells
A type of lymphocyte that can kill virus-infected cells or tumor cells without prior sensitization.
B Lymphocytes
White blood cells responsible for producing antibodies as part of the humoral immune response.
T Lymphocytes
White blood cells involved in cell-mediated immunity; includes helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells.
Antibody
A globulin protein produced by B cells that specifically binds to antigens to neutralize them.
IgG
The predominant antibody in the secondary immune response, providing the majority of antibody-based immunity against invading pathogens.
IgA
The main immunoglobulin found in mucosal areas and secretions, providing mucosal immunity.
IgM
The first antibody produced in response to an infection, usually in the primary immune response.
IgE
An antibody that plays a key role in allergic reactions and defense against parasites.
IgD
An antibody found on the surface of B cells, which acts as an antigen receptor.
Hypersensitivity Reaction
Exaggerated and inappropriate immune response to an antigen.
Type I Hypersensitivity
Immediate allergic reaction mediated by IgE antibodies, resulting in symptoms like anaphylaxis.
Type II Hypersensitivity
Antibody-mediated hypersensitivity triggered by IgG or IgM antibodies leading to cell destruction or dysfunction.
Type III Hypersensitivity
Immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity resulting in tissue damage due to immune complex deposition.
Type IV Hypersensitivity
T-cell mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity involving CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes.
Vaccines
Biologic preparations designed to stimulate the body’s immune response to produce antibodies specific to a pathogen.
Active Immunization
Involves administration of a vaccine to induce an immune response lasting a long time.
Passive Immunization
Administration of preformed antibodies for short-term protection.
Live Attenuated Vaccines
Vaccines made from live organisms that have been weakened to not cause disease.
Toxoid Vaccines
Vaccines made from inactivated toxins produced by pathogens.
Subunit Vaccines
Vaccines that contain only specific antigens from the pathogen, not the whole organism.
Killed Vaccines
Vaccines made from killed or inactivated pathogens.
