ImmuneSystem-Glossary-CL

Activation

A process by which a cell changes or gains functions in response to a stimulus.

Adaptive immune cell

An immune cell involved in the adaptive immune response. Includes B cells and T cells.

Adaptive immune response

One of the two main ways in which the immune system responds to pathogens. Provides long-lasting protection against specific pathogens but may take longer to start.

Antibody

A small protein that binds to a specific antigen, made by plasma cells to help the immune system fight pathogens.

Antigen

A small piece of biological material that can be recognized by the immune system, triggering an immune response.

Antigen-MHC complex

An antigen bound to an MHC protein on the surface of a cell, required for T cell activation.

Antigen-presenting cell (APC)

A cell that presents antigens to T cells, commonly dendritic cells.

Apoptosis

A process by which a cell destroys itself, often used to eliminate unneeded or abnormal cells.

Autoimmune disease

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

Basophil

An innate immune cell involved in inflammation that circulates in the blood.

B cell

An adaptive immune cell that targets and destroys specific pathogens by producing antibodies.

B cell receptor (BCR)

A protein on the surface of a B cell that binds to a specific antigen and is crucial for B cell activation.

Bone marrow

A spongy tissue in bones that contains stem cells developing into immune and red blood cells.

Cell-mediated immune response

The adaptive immune processes mainly involving cytotoxic T cells to destroy infected cells.

Complement proteins

A group of proteins in the blood assisting in destroying pathogens and infected cells.

Cytokines

Small proteins released by cells to communicate with other cells, alerting immune responses.

Cytotoxic T cell

A type of T cell that kills infected cells by inducing apoptosis.

Dendritic cell

An innate immune cell that engulfs pathogens and displays their antigens to activate other immune cells.

Differentiation

The process that switches a cell from one type to a more specialized type.

Engulf

The process where phagocytes surround and internalize large particles such as pathogens.

Eosinophil

An innate immune cell that eliminates large pathogens like parasites by releasing damaging molecules.

Helper T cell

A type of T cell that activates other immune cells including B cells.

Histamine

A small molecule released by mast cells that triggers inflammation.

Humoral immune response

Adaptive immune processes involving antibodies to fight specific pathogens.

Immune cells

Cells that are part of the immune system, often referred to as white blood cells.

Immune response

The processes that the immune system employs to fight pathogens.

Immune system

A group of organs, tissues, cells, and molecules that protect the body from pathogens.

Immunocompromised

A condition where the immune system is weakened and less effective at combating pathogens.

Inflammation

An innate immune response that helps the body fight pathogens and repair tissue damage.

Innate immune cell

An immune cell involved in the innate immune response, including phagocytes.

Innate immune response

Immediate immune protection that does not specifically target pathogens.

Lymph

A fluid similar to blood that circulates through the body containing immune cells.

Lymph nodes

Small organs containing immune cells, connected by lymphatic vessels.

Lymphatic vessels

Thin tubes that transport lymph throughout the body.

Lymphocyte

A type of immune cell, which includes T cells, B cells, and NK cells.

Lymphoid organs

Organs that produce or contain immune cells, such as the spleen and thymus.

Macrophage

An innate immune cell that engulfs and destroys pathogens and abnormal cells.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein

A protein that binds to antigens and presents them on cell surfaces.

Mast cell

An innate immune cell that plays a role in inflammation, releasing histamine.

Memory cells

Long-lived B and T cells that provide a faster immune response upon reinfection.

Microbe

A microscopic organism, which can be beneficial or pathogenic.

Microbiome

The community of microbes living in and on the body.

Monocyte

An innate immune cell that can differentiate into macrophages.

Mucous membrane

Thin tissue that produces mucus, lining various body systems.

Mucus

A protective, sticky substance that traps pathogens.

Natural killer (NK) cell

An innate immune cell that kills infected and abnormal cells.

Neutralization

The process by which antibodies block pathogens from infecting body cells.

Neutrophil

An innate immune cell that is typically the first responder to pathogens.

Pathogen

A microbe that causes disease, including bacteria and viruses.

Phagocyte

An innate immune cell that engulfs and destroys pathogens.

Phagocytosis

A process where phagocytes engulf and destroy pathogens.

Plasma cell

An adaptive immune cell that produces antibodies for specific antigens.

Primary immune response

The immune system's response upon first exposure to a specific pathogen.

Progenitor cells

Cells that can differentiate into other cell types from stem cells.

Receptors

Proteins that bind to specific molecules to facilitate cell signaling.

Respiratory system

The organs and tissues involved in gas exchange, taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

Secondary immune response

The immune response upon subsequent encounters with a specific pathogen, faster than the primary response.

Self-antigen

A biological material that's part of the body; immune cells that bind to these are destroyed.

Skin

The body's outer layer that serves as a barrier against pathogens.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood and contains immune cells that recycle parts of red blood cells.

Stem cells

Cells that develop into various other cell types.

T cell

An adaptive immune cell that responds to specific pathogens.

T cell receptor (TCR)

A protein on T cells that binds to specific antigens to activate T cells.

Thymus

An organ where T cells develop in the chest.

Tonsils

Small organs containing immune cells that destroy inhaled or ingested microbes.

Toxins

Harmful substances produced by living organisms, particularly pathogens.

Vaccine

A substance that triggers an immune response against a pathogen without causing infection.