Immunology

Flashcards covering key concepts related to active and passive immunity, immune system disorders, and therapies.

Active Immunity

Immunity that occurs when exposure to a disease triggers the immune system to produce antibodies.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired by receiving antibodies from another individual, providing temporary protection.

Herd Immunity

A form of immunity that occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune to an infectious disease, reducing its spread.

Vaccines

Substances that contain antigens to induce an immune response without causing disease.

Booster Shots

Additional doses of a vaccine given to boost the immune response.

Antibody Titer

The measure of the amount of antibodies in the blood, indicating the strength of the immune response.

Allergen

A typically harmless substance that triggers an allergic reaction.

Anaphylactic Shock

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen.

Immunosuppressive Drugs

Medications used to suppress the immune response, often to prevent organ rejection.

Autoimmune Disease

A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.

Immunodeficiency Disease

A disorder where the immune system's ability to fight infectious diseases is compromised.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules that regulate white blood cell formation and function.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Identical antibodies produced from a single clone of B cells, targeting a specific antigen.

Histamine

A compound released during allergic reactions that causes inflammation and other allergy symptoms.

MHC I Proteins

Major histocompatibility complex proteins that present antigens to T cells, important in organ transplantation.

Titer

The concentration of antibodies in the blood, often measured to assess immune function.