Immune complex

Immune Complex

The Immune Complex (pronounced: ih-myoon kom-plex) is a crucial component of the immune system. It is a combination of an antigen and its corresponding antibody.

Etymology

The term "Immune Complex" is derived from the Latin word 'immunis', meaning 'exempt', and the English word 'complex', which refers to a system of interconnected parts.

Definition

An Immune Complex is formed when an antigen (a foreign substance that induces an immune response) binds to an antibody (a protein produced by the body's immune system to neutralize the antigen). This binding triggers a series of reactions that help to eliminate the antigen from the body.

Function

Immune complexes play a vital role in the body's immune response. They are involved in various processes such as phagocytosis, complement activation, and inflammation. However, when these complexes are not properly cleared from the body, they can accumulate and cause damage to tissues and organs, leading to conditions such as vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Related Terms

Antigen: A foreign substance that induces an immune response in the body.
Antibody: A protein produced by the body's immune system to neutralize or destroy antigens.
Phagocytosis: The process by which cells engulf and digest foreign substances or cellular debris.
Complement activation: A part of the immune response where proteins in the blood are activated to help antibodies and phagocytic cells clear pathogens from an organism.
Inflammation: A protective response by the body to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels.
Glomerulonephritis: A type of kidney disease caused by inflammation of the internal kidney structures (glomeruli).
Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.