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Antibody
An immunoglobulin which will bind with the antigen against which it was directed.
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Antigen
Any molecule capable of producing an immune response.
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Antigen Presenting Cell (APC)
Cells that process antigen and display a fragment on the cell surface in association with the MHC (major histocompatibility complex).
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Apoptosis
Pre-programmed cell death or cell suicide.
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Cytokines
Soluble proteins that regulate immune responses.
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Dendritic Cell
One of the antigen presenting cells (APC) capable of displaying an antigen on its surface in conjunction with the MHC (major histocompatibility complex).
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Epitopes
A specific region of an antigen that is recognized by B cells or T cells.
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Immunogen
Any substance capable of generating an immune response.
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Immunoglobulin
The more precise name for the proteins called antibodies, which migrate in the gamma globulin region in a protein electrophoresis.
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Interferon
Cytokines that play a role in the immune system's response to viruses.
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Interleukins
Cytokines that stimulate, promote and otherwise modulate different cells and other components of the immune system.
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Macrophage
A monocyte that is one of two cells capable of phagocytosis and usually resides in tissues.
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Natural Killer (NK) Cells
Cells of the innate immune system that destroy virally infected cells and some tumor cells.
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Negative Selection
The process of removing T cells that overreact against host antigens, and, as a result, will undergo apoptosis in the thymus.
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Opsonins
A molecule that attaches to a microbe or other antigen to facilitate its recognition by phagocytic cells.
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Opsonization
The attachment process of an opsonin to an antigen.
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Phagocytosis
The process by which antigens are engulfed and destroyed.
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Phagosomes
Membrane-bound vacuoles which contain the phagocytized cells or particles.
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Positive Selection
Elimination of T cells in the thymus which do not have the capability to recognize foreign antigens, and which undergo apoptosis as a result.
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T Helper Cell
Any mature T lymphocyte that is positive for the CD4 marker (i.e., a CD4+ cell), and includes Th1 and Th2 cells.
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