Jawetz

Adhesion molecules

Molecules like integrins and selectins that facilitate cell binding to other cells or extracellular matrix components.

Alleles

Different versions of a single genetic locus.

Anaphylatoxins

Fragments of complement proteins released during activation, causing increased vascular permeability and leukocyte attraction.

Antibody (Ab)

Protein produced in response to an antigen, capable of binding to the stimulating antigen.

Antigen (Ag)

Substance that can react with an antibody; some antigens can induce antibody production.

B cell

Precursor of plasma cells that produce antibodies, derived from bursa in avian species or its equivalent in nonavian species.

Cell-mediated immunity

Immunity involving lymphocytes and macrophages, often associated with type IV hypersensitivity reactions.

Chemokines

Small proteins that stimulate leukocyte movement.

Chemotaxis

Process where phagocytic cells are attracted to invading pathogens.

Complement

Group of plasma proteins central to antigen-antibody reactions.

Cytolysis

Destruction of cells like bacteria or tumor cells by complement activation.

Cytotoxic T cell

T cells capable of killing infected cells.

Endotoxins

Bacterial toxins released from damaged cells.

Epitope

Specific site on an antigen recognized by an antibody.

Hapten

Molecule that can react with specific antibodies but is not immunogenic by itself.

Histocompatible

Sharing transplantation antigens.

Humoral immunity

Immunity mediated by antibodies and complement in body fluids.

Hypersensitivity reactions

Immune responses categorized into antibody-mediated and cell-mediated types.

Immune response

Development of resistance to foreign substances, mediated by antibodies, lymphoid cells, or both.

Immunity

Nonspecific innate resistance and specific adaptive protection acquired through antigen exposure.

Immunoglobulin

Glycoprotein functioning as an antibody.

Immunoglobulin class

Subdivision of immunoglobulins based on structural differences, including IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, and IgD.

Immunoglobulin subclass

Further subdivision of immunoglobulin classes based on structural differences in H chains.

Inflammation

Local response to injury or infection involving fluid and cell accumulation.

Interferon

Low-molecular-weight proteins protecting cells from viral infections and modulating immune responses.

Leukocyte

General term for white blood cells.

Lymphocyte

Mononuclear cells involved in immune responses, including T and B cells.

Macrophage

Phagocytic cells derived from monocytes, playing roles in immunity and antigen presentation.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

Genes encoding histocompatibility antigens.

Membrane attack complex

Complement cascade end product creating pores in bacterial membranes.

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibodies produced by immortalized hybrid cells with a single specificity.

Monocyte

Circulating phagocytic blood cell developing into tissue macrophages.

Natural killer (NK) cells

Lymphoid cells recognizing and killing abnormal cells without specific receptors.

Opsonin

Substances enhancing phagocytosis, including antibodies and complement.

Opsonization

Coating of antigens to facilitate phagocytosis by immune components.

Plasma cell

Terminally differentiated B cell secreting antibodies.

Polymorphonuclear cell (PMN)

Phagocytic cells like neutrophils migrating to sites of inflammation.

T cell

Thymus-derived cells involved in cell-mediated immune responses.

Thymocytes

Developing T cells found in the thymus.

Vaccination

Inducing immunity by administering a dead or weakened pathogen.