agglutination: clumping effect
occurring when an antibody acts as
a cross-link between two antigens
antibody: a protein substance
developed by the body in response
to and interacting with a specific
antigen
antigen: substance that induces
the production of antibodies
apoptosis: programmed cell
death that results from the
digestion of DNA by endonucleases
B cells: cells that are important in
producing circulating antibodies
cellular immune response: the
immune system’s third line of
defense, involving the attack of
pathogens by T cells
complement: series of enzymatic
proteins in the serum that, when
activated, destroy bacteria and
other cells cytokines: generic term
for non-antibody proteins that act
as intercellular mediators, as in the
generation of immune response
cytotoxic T cells: lymphocytes
that lyse cells infected with virus;
also play a role in graft rejection
genetic engineering: emerging
technology designed to enable
replacement of missing or
defective genes
helper T cells: lymphocytes that
attack foreign invaders (antigens)
directly
humoral immune response: the
immune system’s second line of
defense; often termed the antibody
response
immunity: the body’s specific
protective response to an invading
foreign agent or organism
immunopathology: study of
diseases resulting in dysfunctions
within the immune system
immunoregulation: complex
system of checks and balances that
regulates or controls immune
responses
interferons: proteins formed
when cells are exposed to viral or
foreign agents; capable of
activating other components of the
immune system
lymphokines: substances
released by sensitized lymphocytes
when they contact specific
antigens
memory cells: cells that are
responsible for recognizing
antigens from previous exposure
and mounting an immune response
natural killer cells (NK cells):
lymphocytes that defend against
microorganisms and malignant
cells null lymphocytes:
lymphocytes that destroy antigens
already coated with the antibody
opsonization: the coating of
antigen–- antibody molecules with
a sticky substance to facilitate
phagocytosis
phagocytic cells: cells that
engulf, ingest, and destroy foreign
bodies or toxins
phagocytic immune response:
the immune system’s first line of
defense, involving white blood cells
that have the ability to ingest
foreign particles
stem cells: precursors of all blood
cells; reside primarily in bone
marrow suppressor T cells:
lymphocytes that decrease B-cell
activity to a level at which the
immune system is compatible with
life
allergen: substance that causes
manifestations of allergy
allergy: inappropriate and often
harmful immune system response
to substances that are normally
harmless anaphylaxis: clinical
response to an immediate
immunologic reaction between a
specific antigen and antibody
angioneurotic edema: condition
characterized by urticaria and
diffuse swelling of the deeper
layers of the skin
antibody: protein substance
developed by the body in response
to and interacting with a specific
antigen
antigen: substance that induces
the production of antibodies
antihistamine: medication that
opposes the action of histamine
atopic dermatitis: type I
hypersensitivity involving
inflammation of the skin evidenced
by itching, redness, and a variety
of skin lesions
atopy: term often used to describe
IgE mediated diseases; genetically
determined allergic disorders
B lymphocyte: cells that are
important in producing circulating
antibodies
bradykinin: polypeptide that
stimulates nerve fibers and causes
pain
eosinophil: granular leukocyte
epitope: an immunologically active
site on an antigen; a single antigen
can have several different epitopes
that elicit responses from different
antibodies erythema: diffuse
redness of the skin
hapten: incomplete antigen
histamine: substance in the body
that causes increased gastric
secretion, dilation of capillaries,
and constriction of the bronchial
smooth muscle
hypersensitivity: abnormal
heightened reaction to a stimulus
of any kind
immunoglobulins: a family of
closely related proteins capable of
acting as antibodies
leukotrienes: a group of chemical
mediators that initiate the
inflammatory response
lymphokines: substances released
by sensitized lymphocytes when
they contact specific antigens
mast cell: connective tissue cells
that contain heparin and histamine
in their granules
prostaglandins: unsaturated fatty
acids that have a wide assortment
of biologic activity
rhinitis: inflammation of the nasal
mucosa
serotonin: chemical mediator that
acts as a potent vasoconstrictor
and bronchoconstrictor
T lymphocyte: cells that can
cause graft rejection, kill foreign
cells, or suppress production of
antibodies
urticaria: hives