20 Terms
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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.
Industry: Biology
Add a new termContributors in Immunology
Immunology
contact hypersensitivity
Biology; Immunology
A form of delayed-type hypersensitivity (type IV) in which T cells respond to antigens that are introduced by contact with the skin. Poison ivy hypersensitivity is a contact hypersensitivity reaction ...
convertase
Biology; Immunology
An enzymatic activity that converts a complement protein into its reactive form by cleaving it. Generation of the C3/C5 convertase is the pivotal event in complement activation.
Coombs test
Biology; Immunology
A test named for its originator, R.R.A. Coombs, used to detect antibodies by addition of an anti-immunoglobulin antibody.
corticosteroids
Biology; Immunology
are steroid hormones (e.g. cortisone) that are lympholytic and are derived from the adrenal cortex. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone or dexamethasone can diminish the size and lymphocyte content of ...
costimulatory molecules
Biology; Immunology
Membrane-bound or secreted products of accessory cells that activate signal transduction events in addition to those induced by MHC/TCR interactions. They are required for full activation of T cells.
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Biology; Immunology
is a serum protein produced by liver cells as part of the acute phase response. It binds to phosphatidylcholine, a component of the surface of many bacteria. As a result of CRP binding to its ...
cromolyn sodium
Biology; Immunology
A drug that blocks the release of pharmacological mediators from mast cells and diminishes the symptoms and tissue reactions of type I hypersensitivity (i.e., anaphylaxis) mediated by IgE.
