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Immunology

Immunology is the study of the structuree and function of the immune system which is responsible for the protection from invading foreign macromolecules or organisms. It is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system in organisms. It deals with the physiological functioning of the immune system in both healthy states and immunological disorders (autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities, immune deficiency, transplant rejection); the physical, chemical and physiological characteristics of the components of the immune system in vitro, in situ, and in vivo.

Contributors in Immunology

Immunology

clonal selection theory

Biology; Immunology

The prevalent concept that specificity and diversity of an immune response are the result of selection by antigen of specifically reactive clones from a large repertoire of preformed lymphocytes, ...

cluster of differentiation (CD)

Biology; Immunology

Cluster of antigens with which antibodies react that characterize cell-surface molecules.

cold agglutinin

Biology; Immunology

An antibody that agglutinates particulate antigen, such as bacteria or red cells, optimally at temperatures less than 37º. In clinical medicine, the term usually refers to antibodies against red ...

colony-stimulating factors (CSF)

Biology; Immunology

Glycoproteins that govern the formation, differentiation and function of hematopoietic progenitor cells (stem cells).

combinatorial joining

Biology; Immunology

The joining of segments of DNA to generate new combinations of Ig or TCR genes during the development of B and T cells. Combinatorial joining allows multiple opportunities for two sets of genes to ...

common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)

Biology; Immunology

A relatively common congenital or acquired immunodeficiency that may be either familial or sporadic. The familial form may have a variable mode of inheritance. Hypogammaglobulinemia is common to all ...

complement

Biology; Immunology

A series of serum proteins involved in the mediation of immune reactions. The complement cascade is triggered classically by the interaction of antibody with specific antigen.

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