Immunology Glossary, Acronyms and Abbreviation Part 7.

Small areas within immunoglobulin or TCR variable regions where the greatest variations in amino acid sequence occur.

Refers to intraspecies genetic variations, i.e., a genetic dissimilarity within the same species

Antimicrobial substances present within granules of phagocytes.

A segment of DNA that separates exons and that does not contain expressed genes (non-coding segment). Introns are transcribed into RNA with the exons but are not translated into protein.

An immune state mediated by T cells and characterized by the development of activated macrophages

Protective antibodies that neutralize soluble toxins

Literally, "having many shapes"; in genetics polymorphism means occurring in more than one form within a species; the existence of multiple alleles at a particular genetic locus. Example: MHC loci, genes for blood cell alotypes.

Any myeloid cell containing prominent cytoplasmic granules, including neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils.

A system that comprises tissue macrophages and their precursors (monocytes).

Antibody directed against an immunoglobulin. Usually obtained by injecting immunoglobulin into an animal of another species

The reaction of aggregation of particulate antigen by antibodies. Agglutination applies to red blood cells, bacteria and inert particles covered with antigen (see difference with precipitation reactions)

An iron-containing molecule that has antimicrobial action by binding iron needed for microbial growth.

Immunization of one individual by introduction of preformed antibodies or immune cells from another individual.

A glycoprotein with antibody activity. Immunoglobulins are classified according to the H-chain structure in classes: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD and IgE.

The production of blood cells of all types.

An immunoprecipitation technique that involves letting antigen and antibody meet and precipitate in a clear gel such as agar

Cytoplasmic organelles found within phagocytic cells that contain hydrolitic enzymes involved in the digestion of phagocytosed material

A cell that can present the antigen to lymphocytes, through their cell surface class II MHC (major histocompatibility complex) and stimulate the lymphocytes to provide a specific immune response. Examples of APCs are macrophages and dendritic cells)

Abbrev. for Concanavalin A

A vaccine containing antigen prepared by recombinant DNA techniques.

A technique involving electrophoresis to separate protein from a mixture followed by immunodiffusion; it is used to identify the proteins in a complex solution such as serum

Heterodimeric surface glycoproteins encoded by the the Dr, Dq or DP locus of the major histocompatibility complex, which functions mainly in antigen presentation to CD4 + T cells

Acron. for Cluster of Differentiation. CD molecules are leukicyte surface molecules classified according to the internationally accepted CD systemand identified by monoclonal antibodies

A localized- nodular inflammatory lesion characterized by chronic inflammation with mononuclear cell infiltration and extensive fibrosis.

The separation of molecules in a mixture by subjecting them to an electric field

A tissue or organ transplantation from a different species

T and B lymphocytes formed as a result of exposure to antigen (primary immune response). They have the ability to mount a secondary immune response which is enhanced to antigen as compared to lymphocytes that had not previously encountered antigen.

Diminished or absent capacity to make a specific response to an antigen; usually produced as a result of contact with that antigen under nonimmunizing conditions.

Immunity or immune responses mediated by soluble factors in body fluids, especially by antibodies.

The administration of an antigen (vaccine) to stimulate a protective immune response against an infectious agent. The term originally referred to protection against smallpox.

Immunity produced as a result of the administration of an antigen

Soluble protein toxins, usually produced by gram-positive pathogenic bacteria

A family of adhesion proteins found on cell membranes that bind to connective tissue proteins such as collagen or fibronectin.

Proteins, usually of plant origin, that can bind specifically to carbohydrates. Many lectins are mitogenic (i.e., can induce lymphocytes to divide), such as Com A and PHA.

The concept that lymphocytes survey the body for cancerous or abnormal cells and then eliminate them.

Migration of cells or organism toward increasing concentrations of a chemical substance

A group of cytokines having antiviral activity and capable of enhancing and modifying the immune response. IFN- and - are also called leukocyte IFN. IFN- is the immune IFN.

Mouse MHC class II antigen.

Acron. for Colony Forming Unit

An antibody chemically conjugated to a fluorescent dye, such as FITC.

Any substance (but usually refers to an antibody) that can lyse red blood cells.

A disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus that causes destruction of key components of the immune system. As a result, infected individuals become very susceptible to infections and cancers

Refer to Hypogammaglobulinemia - Agammaglobulinemia was used in earlier years before the development of methods sufficiently sensitive to detect relatively small quantities of gamma globulin in the blood