Agglutinins
Agglutinins
Agglutinins (/əˈɡluːtɪnɪnz/; from Latin agglutinare meaning 'to glue together') are substances that cause particles to coagulate to form a thickened mass.
Definition
Agglutinins are antibodies that cause antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, and foreign cells, to clump together. This clumping mechanism, known as agglutination, is a crucial part of the immune system's response to foreign substances.
Types of Agglutinins
There are several types of agglutinins, including:
- Isoagglutinins: These are antibodies that cause agglutination of cells from individuals of the same species.
- Heteroagglutinins: These are antibodies that cause agglutination of cells from different species.
- Autoagglutinins: These are antibodies that cause agglutination of an individual's own cells.
Role in Disease
Agglutinins play a significant role in various diseases. For instance, in hemolytic anemia, autoagglutinins cause the patient's own red blood cells to agglutinate, leading to their destruction. In infectious mononucleosis, heteroagglutinins react with horse or sheep red blood cells.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Agglutinins
- Wikipedia's article - Agglutinins
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