Cell-mediated immunity
Cell-mediated immunity is a type of immunity that involves the activation of phagocytes, antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various cytokines in response to an antigen.
Pronunciation
Cell-mediated immunity is pronounced as /sɛl miːdiːeɪtɪd ɪˈmjuːnɪti/.
Etymology
The term "cell-mediated immunity" is derived from the fact that the immune response is mediated by immune cells, as opposed to humoral immunity, which is mediated by antibodies.
Definition
Cell-mediated immunity is an immune response that does not involve antibodies, but rather involves the activation of phagocytes, antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various cytokines in response to an antigen. This type of immunity is particularly effective against pathogens that survive inside cells, such as viruses and some bacteria.
Related Terms
- Immunity: The ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.
- Phagocytes: Cells that protect the body by ingesting harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells.
- Cytokines: A broad and loose category of small proteins that are important in cell signaling.
- Antigen: A toxin or other foreign substance which induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies.
- Pathogens: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Antibodies: A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cell-mediated immunity
- Wikipedia's article - Cell-mediated immunity
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