Duffy antigen system
Duffy Antigen System
The Duffy Antigen System (pronounced: duh-fee an-tuh-jen sis-tuhm) is a system of antigens that exist on the surface of red blood cells. The system is named after the patient in which the antigen was first discovered.
Etymology
The Duffy Antigen System is named after the patient, Mr. Duffy, in whom the antigen was first discovered in the 1950s. The term "antigen" is derived from the Greek words "anti" (against) and "gen" (produce), referring to a substance that induces an immune response in the body.
Function
The Duffy Antigen System is involved in a variety of biological processes. It plays a crucial role in the immune response, as it can bind to certain types of chemokines, which are signaling proteins secreted by cells. The Duffy Antigen System is also known to act as a receptor for the malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax, making individuals who lack this antigen resistant to this type of malaria.
Related Terms
- Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response in the body.
- Chemokines: Signaling proteins secreted by cells involved in immune responses.
- Red blood cells: Cells in the blood that carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
- Malaria: A disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
- Plasmodium vivax: A species of malaria parasite that can infect humans.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Duffy antigen system
- Wikipedia's article - Duffy antigen system
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