Neutralization
Neutralization (Medicine)
Neutralization (pronounced: /ˌnjuːtrəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/) is a process in immunology where the harmful effects of a pathogen or toxin are nullified by antibodies. The term originates from the Latin neutralis, meaning "balanced", and the suffix -ation, denoting an action or process.
Process
During neutralization, antibodies produced by the immune system bind to the pathogen or toxin. This binding prevents the pathogen or toxin from interacting with cells and causing harm. The neutralized pathogen or toxin is then removed from the body by other components of the immune system.
Types of Neutralization
There are several types of neutralization reactions in the body, including:
- Virus Neutralization: This occurs when antibodies prevent a virus from entering a cell.
- Toxin Neutralization: This happens when antibodies bind to a toxin, preventing it from interacting with cells.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by the immune system that binds to specific foreign substances.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Toxin: A poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
- Immune System: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neutralization
- Wikipedia's article - Neutralization
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