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immunity acquired through exposure to antigen and response of one's own immune system.
protein produced in response to infection, usually within a few hours to a few days. Acute phase proteins signal an activation of the innate immune system and are not antigen-specific.
immunity acquired through responses of antigen-specific lymphocytes, resulting in immune memory.
Antibody-Dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity, killing of target cells by K cells with specific antibody bound to their Fc receptors.
cell surface molecule that allows cells to adhere to other cells.
molecule that increases the immune response to an antigen. Adjuvants are often given with vaccines.
attraction between two molecules; the higher the affinity, the higher the probability they will bind and stay bound to one another.
separation of molecules based on their affinity for immobilized ligand.
increase in antibody affinity observed as an immune response progresses.
clumping of cells, often induced by antibodies.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, the disease caused by HIV.
autoimmune disease resulting in inflammation in the spinal column.
copies of the same gene on two different chromosomes. Alleles may be identical (homozygous) or non-identical (heterozygous).
antigen that induces an allergic response.
immune response to (usually) noninfectious agent; Type I hypersensitivity.
differing between members of the same species.
graft from another member of the same species.
T cells that make an immune response to cells from another individual; T cells responsible for graft rejection.
antigenic epitope differentiating antibody (or other) molecules from different individuals.
complement pathway initiated by contact with bacterial antigens.
also called memory response; heightened response to repeat antigen exposure.
substance that induces inflammation, released in response to complement activation.
lack of immune response.
tissue swelling (edema) resulting from complement activation due to a deficiency of the complement regulatory protein C1 inhibitor.
serum protein made in response to antigen; also called immunoglobulin (Ig).
molecule that induces antibody production; also, molecule specifically bound by antibody or TCR.
physical association of antigen with antibody, TCR, or MHC.
enzymatic digestion of antigen and association with MHC for presentation to T cells.
mutation resulting in small change in antigen structure.
mutation resulting in large change in antigen structure.
selection for infectious agents that have mutated antigens which are different from those originally recognized by the immune system.
Antigen-Presenting Cell: B cell, dendritic cell, or macrophage that displays antigen on MHC for T cell activation.
programmed cell death.
collection of immune system tissue near the junction of the small and large intestines; part of the MALT.
localized inflammatory reaction, usually observed in the skin.
tumor growing in the peritoneal cavity.
predisposition to becoming allergic.
vaccine which uses live but weakened organism to induce immunity.
graft of tissue from one part of the body to another.
immune response made against self antigens.
detection of molecules by detecting radioactive tags attached to them.
combined affinities in multivalent binding.
lymphocyte which develops in the bone marrow and binds antigen with membrane antibody (immunoglobulin).
part of the Class I major histocompatibility molecule (MHC)
membrane co-stimulatory molecule, participates in activation of B cells and macrophages.
immune deficiency resulting from a deficiency of some or all MHC molecules.
granulocytic white blood cell with cytosolic granules that stain with basic dyes.
B Cell (antigen) Receptor, also called membrane immunoglobulin (mIg).
free antibody light chains excreted in the urine of individuals with plasma cell tumors (multiple myelomas).
transfer of protein or nucleic acid fragments from electrophoresis gel to nitrocellulose paper, to which they bind tightly, for antibody binding or nucleic acid hybridization analysis.
C1 inhibitor, a regulatory molecule that inhibits complement C1 activity.
complement molecules that activate complement C3.
complement molecules that activate complement C5.
chaperone that promotes the successful binding of processed antigen and MHC.
chaperone that promotes the successful binding of processed antigen and MHC.
Cell Adhesion Molecule; membrane molecule that allows cells to adhere.
protein covalently linked with a small molecule (hapten) to increase the hapten's ability to induce immunity.
Cluster of Differentiation; membrane proteins on immune system cells that allow for their identification and isolation.
part of the T cell (antigen) receptor complex. CD3 transduces the antigen binding signal outside the plasma membrane into chemical signals (phosphorylation) in the cytoplasm.
co-receptor on helper T cells that binds Class II MHC and participates in T cell activation by antigen.
co-receptor on cytotoxic T cells that binds Class I MHC and participates in T cell activation by antigen.
collection of cDNA (complementary DNA) sequences from the mRNA of an organism in vectors; includes only exon DNA sequences from expressed genes.
membrane molecule that allows cells to adhere (CAM).
cells which can be cloned and propagated indefinitely in tissue culture.
immunity which can be transferred between individuals with the transfer of T cells.
bone marrow or thymus; lymphoid organ where lymphocytes develop.
molecule that promotes the folding or prevents denaturation of another protein; see calnexin and calreticulin.
small molecule secreted by white blood cells that attracts leukocytes.
movement of a cell in a chemical gradient, promoted by chemokines and anaphylatoxins.
antibody encoded by genes from more than one species, usually with antigen-binding regions from mouse genes and constant regions from human genes.
method for detecting cell-mediated cytotoxicity by allowing cells that will be lysed to take up a radioactive isotope of chromium into their cytosol; death results in the release of the chromium into the culture fluid.
exposure to very low doses of allergen over time to decrease allergic reactions to that allergen.
disease characterized by the presence of many granulomas, small nodules of inflammatory cells, usually associated with persistent infections or autoimmune inflammation.
MHC proteins that present antigen synthesized in an infected cell's cytosol to cytotoxic T cells.
MHC proteins that present antigen taken up in phagocytic or endocytic vesicles to helper T cells.
activation of complement by binding to antigen-antibody complexes.
the part of the chaperone invariant chain (Ii) which occupies the peptide-binding site of class II MHC during folding in the endoplasmic reticulum and prevents binding of endogenous peptides. CLIP is removed in the MIIC vesicle by DM so that exogenous peptide can bind.
elimination of all lymphocytes that bind a particular antigen; mechanism that normally prevents autoimmune reactions.
stimulation of antigen-specific lymphocytes to proliferate and become active effector cells that eliminate that antigen.
many identical copies of a gene or a cell, produced from a single precursor.
signal(s) that must accompany antigen stimulation of effectively activate lymphocytes.
collection of plasma proteins that can be activated to promote inflammation and antigen elimination. They complement (work with) antibody (note absence of "i" in this complement).
DNA that has been copied from an mRNA template and is complementary in base sequence to that RNA; it should be identical in base sequence to the DNA from which the mRNA was transcribed (minus any introns and regulatory regions).
mice that have been bred to differ at only one MHC gene
plasmid vector which contains the cos site of lambda phage DNA for insertion of a gene, a replication origin so the vector will replicate, and a drug-resistance gene so cells into which the vector has been inserted can be selected.
the binding of a ligand similar to but not identical with the specific ligand. For example, an antibody to antigen A may cross-react (bind to) antigen A'. Some antibodies to Streptococcus pyogenes bind to human heart tissue, resulting in rheumatic heart disease.
drug that suppresses the immune system, specifically T cell activation.
small molecule secreted from one cell that signals another cell by binding to its specific receptor.
molecule that interferes with cytokine function.
a cytokine has more than one function.
membrane molecule that specifically binds cytokine.
more than one cytokine has the same function.
ability of cytokines to act together to promote more activity than either can generate alone.
pathway for processing cytosolic (endogenous) antigen for presentation on class I MHC.
T cell which kills virus-infected cells and tumor cells.
diacylglycerol, a cytoplasmic second messenger in lymphocyte activation; activates protein kinase C.
cell with long processes (dendrites) that presents antigen.
class I MHC molecule which facilitates the removal of CLIP and the binding of exogenous peptide to class II MHC molecules in the MIIC vesicle.
technique for identification of a regulatory sequence in DNA; binding of a regulatory protein protects the DNA from restriction endonuclease cleavage.
vaccine in which antigen DNA is injected and expressed in host cells; the expressed antigen stimulates an immune response.
immature T cell which expresses neither CD4 nor CD8 on its membrane.
immature T cell which empresses both CD4 and CD8 on its membrane.
Delayed Type (Type IV) Hypersensitivity. Th1 cells activate macrophages to eliminate antigen.
innate response to antigen which requires protein synthesis and involves inflammation but is not antigen specific.
Epstein Barr Virus; infects B cells.
skin rash, often occurs in response to antigen.
activated cell which participates in antigen elimination.
technique used to get cloned DNA into a cell; an electric current causes pores to form in the cell's membrane through which DNA enters.
Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay, which detects antigen-antibody binding using antibody complexed with an enzyme that forms a colored product from a colorless substrate.
antigen synthesized in the cell cytoplasm, presented on class I MHC.
membrane-bound cell compartment where proteins destined for the plasma membrane or for secretion are transported after synthesis, and where endogenous peptides are transported for binding to class I MHC.
pathway for processing phagocytosed or endocytosed (exogenous) antigens for presentation on class II MHC.
toxin which is part of the bacterial structure. Usually refers to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the Gram negative outer membrane.
regulatory region of DNA which increases gene transcription.
protein antigen(s) in the viral envelope. env, the gene for the envelope protein(s).
organic reaction catalyst, which facilitates a chemical reaction without being used up. Most enzymes are proteins, but some RNA has catalytic activity for processing mRNA.
granulocytic white blood cell with cytosolic granules that stain with acidic dyes (eosin). Eosinophils have Fc receptors for IgE and are efficient at killing worm parasites.
study of disease transmission.
part of antigen bound by antibody or TCR.
technique used to measure antibody affinity.
hemolytic disease of the newborn. Rh negative mother makes anti-Rh antibody which can cross the placenta and lyse the erythrocytes of the Rh positive fetus.
red blood cell (RBC); carries oxygen to the tissues and carbon dioxide to the lungs.
antigen synthesized outside the APC, phagocytosed or endocytosed into vesicles, and processed for presentation on class II MHC.
coding region of a gene; base sequence that is expressed in the protein sequence.
laboratory model for multiple sclerosis, induced by injecting myelin basic protein.
process by which leukocytes move from the circulation into the tissues.
antigen-binding region of antibody molecule; named for the antigen-binding fragment of enzymatically digested antibody.
Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter; equipment used to count and separate leukocytes labeled with fluorescent-tagged antibodies to cell surface molecules.
membrane molecule which, when bound by FasL, initiates apoptosis.
ligand for Fas
constant region of antibody heavy chain; named because it was in the crystalizable fragment of enzymatically digested antibody.
receptor for antibody Fc.
Follicular Dendritic Cell. Found in the B cell areas of secondary lymphoid organs and participates in B cell activation.
increase in body temperature over the normal 98.6F (37C).
material used to separate leukocytes by their density, especially lymphocytes from other white blood cells and erythrocytes.
immunosuppressant drug.
process used to detect and quantify fluorescent antibody bound to leukocytes.
small fluorescent tag which allows for detection of antibodies.
in immunology, an area of the spleen or lymph node occupied by B cells and FDC.
enzyme present in the granules of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells which induce apoptosis in the target cells. Also called granzymes.
regions of the antibody molecule which do not bind antigen but whose structure allows for folding of the antibody so all the contact regions bind antigen.
manufactured antibody molecule composed of one or more variable regions with no Fc.
protein antigen(s) in the virus capsid. gag, gene for viral capsid protein(s).
T cells with TCR composed of gamma and delta chains instead of the more usual alpha and beta chains.
fraction of serum which contains most antibody molecules.
gut-associated lymphoid tissues
concentration of rapidly dividing B cells in the spleen and lymph nodes.
technique used to separate proteins and fragments of DNA or RNA. Molecules move through a polyacrylamide or agarose gel in response to an electric current. In the most common technique, smaller molecules move faster and travel farther than larger molecules.
technique for identifying regulatory regions of DNA by their altered electrophoretic mobility in the presence of protein regulators.
production of mRNA and synthesis of a functional protein
nucleic acids representing entire genetic information of an organism; in humans, all 46 chromosomes.
collection of DNA sequences from an organism, including introns and regulatory regions, in lambda phage DNA vectors.
genetic characteristics encoded in the DNA of a cell or organism.
cell adhesion molecule used by lymphocytes to enter the lymphoid tissues.
growth factor for granulocytes and monocytes.
autoimmune disease in which vascular disease is caused by autoantibodies to Type IV collagen or basement membrane.
immune process that kills transplanted non-self tissue.
leukocyte with a lobed nucleus and prominent cytoplasmic granules. Basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils are granulocytes. Also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs).
enzymes present in the granules of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells which induce apoptosis in the target cells. Now called fragmentins.
a
alpha (symbol a)
b beta
(symbol b)
g gamma
(symbol g)
d delta
(symbol d)
e epsilon
(symbol e)
z zeta
(symbol z)
h eta
(symbol h)
q theta
(symbol q)
k kappa (symbol k)
l lambda
(symbol l)
m mu
(symbol m)
f phi
(symbol f)
Graft Versus Host Disease. The rejection process when transplanted allogeneic bone marrow recognizes host MHC as foreign.
mouse major histocompatibility locus and antigens.
Human Anti-Mouse Antibody. Antibody made by humans against mouse monoclonal antibodies used to treat cancer or autoimmunity.
all genes inherited from one parent; half of one's genome.
small molecule which is immunogenic only when covalently linked to a carrier molecule. In effect, one antigen epitope.
regulatory T cell which used cytokines to stimulate B cells to produce antibodies, macrophages to become activated, or cytotoxic T cells to become effector CTL.
the process of blood cell formation. Hematopoiesis occurs in the yolk sac and the liver during early fetal development and in the bone marrow thereafter.
lysis of erythrocytes.
having non-identical copies (alleles) of a gene from each parent.
High Endothelial Venules. Specialized cells lining the capillaries in the lymphoid organs where leukocytes enter from the circulation.
flexible region of IgG and IgA antibody molecules. The hinge region connects the Fc and Fab regions and facilitates binding of both Fab regions to nearby antigen epitopes.
molecules in the granules of mast cells which, when released, dilate blood vessels and cause smooth muscle contraction.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS.
Human Leukocyte Antigen, human MHC.
Class I MHC molecule which facilitates the removal of CLIP and the binding of exogenous peptide to Class II MHC molecules in the MIIC vesicle.
having identical copies (alleles) of a gene from both parents.
genetically engineered mouse antibody in which the Fc (and sometimes the framework) regions have been replaced with human sequences to prevent a HAMA response.
immunity that can be transferred from one individual to another with serum; i.e., antibody formation.
specific binding of two complementary strands of DNA or of DNA and RNA.
cloned cell line made by fusing a short-lived functional lymphocyte with a cancerous cell of the same lineage to generate immortal functional cells. Fusion of a plasma cell producing antibody and a myeloma cell (cancerous plasma cell) forms a hybridoma which produces monoclonal antibody. T cell hybridomas can be made by fusing a helper or cytotoxic T cell with a cancerous T cell; these hybridomas secrete cytokines or are able to lyse target cells.
immune deficiency in which serum IgM levels are high and serum IgG is absent or very low.
graft rejection caused by pre-formed antibodies to antigens on the graft.
inappropriate immune response that damages one's body. Hypersensitivity responses are directed against non-dangerous antigens (allergens or grafts) or against persistent pathogens (Lyme arthritis).
the region of antibody or TCR that specifically binds antigen.
InterCellular Adhesion Molecule, adhesion molecule that allows prolonged cell-cell contact during leukocyte activation or migration.
Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus; Type I diabetes, and autoimmune disease.
excessive iron absorption and deposition in the skin and tissues; idiopathic means the cause is unknown.
the antigenic specificity of the variable (antigen-binding) region of an antibody or TCR molecule.
alpha interferon; cytokine produced in response to virus infection that interferes with virus replication.
beta interferon; cytokine produced in response to virus infection that interferes with virus replication.
gamma interferon; cytokine produced by T cells that signals APC to express more membrane MHC.
Ig alpha-Ig beta. Signal transduction part of the B cell receptor complex.
globular fold in antibody and Ig superfamily molecules held in place by a disulfide bond.
class of antibody molecules which share a heavy chain Fc region. There are five Ig isotypes: a (IgA), g (IgG) , d (IgD), e (IgE), and m (IgM).
group of proteins with structures very similar to Ig domains. Includes antibody, TCR, several receptors for cytokines, and some adhesion molecules.
non-covalently bound complex of antibody with antigen and sometimes complement.
congenital or acquired inability of the immune system to function correctly, usually due to lack of a molecule or cell.
the constant process by which the immune system kills arising cancer cells.
Western blot or dot blot; detection of proteins on nitrocellulose paper by binding of labeled antibody molecules.
detection of cell-associated molecules in the electron microscope with antibodies labeled with electron dense metals (often gold).
detection of proteins which have been separated by electrophoresis by adding antibodies to form a visible precipitate in the gel.
detection of cell-associated molecules in the light microscope with antibodies labeled with fluorochromes.
any molecule which can induce an immune response.
antibody, serum protein that binds antigen and facilitates its removal.
detection of cell-associated molecules in the light microscope with antibodies labeled with enzymes which change a substrate into a colored precipitate.
cytoplasmic proteins in T cells which are the targets of the immunosuppressant drugs cyclosoprin A, FK506, and rapamycin.
genetically engineered monoclonal antibody specific for a tumor cell. The Fc region has been modified or replaced with a toxin (such as ricin) which kills the tumor cell following antibody binding.
vaccine composed of killed pathogen.
mice which are the progeny of many generations of brother-sister matings, so that they are homozygous for most genes. These syngeneic mice will accept skin and organ grafts from each other.
defense to tissue injury; may be caused by the immune system. Inflammation includes movement of blood and leukocytes into the injured area.
Th1 cell, which activates macrophages to kill vesicular pathogens.
immunity present from birth and not dependent on prior antigen exposure. Innate immunity includes physical and chemical barriers to infection, phagocytes, complement, and Natural Killer cells.
second messenger in lymphocyte activation; increases intracellular calcium and activates calcineurin.
DNA-DNA or RNA-DNA hybridization done on whole cells which have been fixed to a surface such as a filter or microscope slide.
family of membrane adhesion molecules.
leukocytes with long processes (dendrites) that present antigen to T cells.
a cytokine produced by one leukocyte and acting on another.
non-coding region of a gene; DNA which is not expressed in the protein sequence. May be important for regulating gene expression.
ImmunoStimulating Complex. Lipid bilayer spheres containing antigen; designed to allow antigen to enter cells and by presented on class I MHC.
class of antibody molecules which share a heavy chain Fc region. There are five Ig isotypes: a (IgA), g (IgG) , d (IgD), e (IgE), and m (IgM).
the process by which a B cell switches from making antibody of one isotype to another without altering the specificity of the antibody.
Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Activation Motif. Amino acid sequence in the cytoplasmic tail of receptor complex proteins which become phosphorylated during activation of cell function.
Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Inhibition Motif. Amino acid sequence in the cytoplasmic tail of receptor complex proteins which are modified during inhibition of cell function.
polypeptide chain found in IgM and IgA. Helps hold subunits of the polyvalent Ig molecules together and binds to receptor on mucosal endothelium for secretion.
diversity in Ig or TCR structure generated by the inexact splicing of gene segments into a complete gene for Ig or TCR chains during B cell or T cell development.
Killer cell. Macrophage, neutrophil, or NK cell which uses Fc receptor to bind antibody-coated target cell and then kills the target.
vaccine composed of killed pathogen.
receptors for MHC on NK cells which block NK cell killing of self cells.
mice in which one particular gene has been inactivated; used to study gene function by looking at the effects of its absence.
Lymphokine-Activated Killer cell. Natural killer cell which has been activated by IL-2 to become cytotoxic.
part of Type I hypersensitivity which requires protein synthesis and occurs several hours after the immediate histamine release.
white blood cell: neutrophil, basophil, eosinophil, or lymphocyte.
immune deficiency in which one or more adhesion molecules are not expressed.
collection of DNA (genomic) or cDNA sequences within plasmid or virus vectors.
molecule which specifically binds a receptor and triggers a response from the cell. Antigen is the ligand for the mIg on B lymphocytes and triggers B cell immune responses; insulin is the ligand for insulin receptor and triggers glucose uptake.
a technique used to count the number of functional cells in a population.
Low Molecular weight Protein. Subunit of the proteasome, where endogenous proteins are processed.
LipoPolySaccharide; endotoxin. Present in the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria.
vessel which transports lymph and leukocytes into and out of the lymph nodes and back into the circulatory system at the vena cava.
leukocyte which has specific receptors for antigen and participates in adaptive immunity.
precursor to both T and B lymphocytes.
cytokine produced by a lymphocyte.
Natural killer cell which has been activated by IL-2 to become cytotoxic.
collections of lymphoid tissue distributed throughout the body, connected by lymphatics to the circulatory system. Antigen is taken to the lymph nodes and lymphocytes are activated there to effector cells.
cytoplasmic vesicle in antigen-presenting cells where class II MHC binds processed exogenous antigen.
monoclonal antibody; antibody produced from a clone of B cells.
Membrane Attack Complex; complement proteins which form a pore leading to cell lysis.
surface marker on macrophages.
phagocytic white blood cell found in the tissues; the circulating form of the cell is called a monocyte. Acts as an antigen-presenting cell.
adhesion molecule on mucosal cells; binds L-selectin and VLA-4.
tumor antigen found on melanoma cells and also normal cells in the testis.
Mucosal-Associated Lymphoid Tissue; collections of lymphoid cells found along the mucus membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital tracts.
Mannan-Binding Lectin (mannose-binding protein). Acute phase protein which opsonizes pathogen and activates complement.
specialized antigen-collecting cell in the intestinal tract mucosal epithelium.
Macrophage Chemoattractant and activating Protein; a chemokine.
complement proteins which form a pore leading to cell lysis.
lymphocyte which can respond more quickly and efficiently to antigen than a naive lymphocyte.
repeat response to an antigen which is faster and larger than a primary response.
Major Histocompatibility Complex; refers to the proteins used to present antigen to T cells or the genes which encode them. MHC proteins on body tissues must be matched between organ donor and recipient for an organ transplant to avoid rejection.
the requirement for T cells to see antigen on self MHC.
tissue antigens besides MHC which are involved in graft rejection, usually to a lesser extent.
Macrophage Inflammatory Protein, a chemokine.
molecule which induces proliferation (mitosis).
tissue-typing test for transplantation. T cells from the recipient are mixed with APC from the donor; if foreign MHC molecules are present on the APC, the T cells proliferate and incorporate 3H- thymidine.
molecular similarities between foreign and self antigen which may lead to autoimmunity.
antibody that is homogenous, every molecule identical to the next in physical structure and antigen binding; produced by a hybridoma.
white blood cell with a single (non-lobed) nucleus; lymphocytes and the circulating form of macrophages are monocytes.
cytokine made by a monocyte.
messenger RNA, template for protein synthesis.
plasma cell tumor, often characterized by high levels of monoclonal antibody in the circulation.
the monoclonal antibody produced by myeloma cells.
the process of eliminating unwanted cells, often by killing them. Refers to the elimination of self-specific T and B cells during lymphocyte development or to the in vitro elimination of particular cells (for example, by incubating them with specific antibody plus complement).
white blood cell, a granulocyte that stains with neutral dyes. The most numerous of the circulating granulocytes, phagocytoses and kills bacteria.
Natural Killer Cell.
nitrous oxide, used by neutrophils and macrophages to kill pathogens.
mice with an epithelial cell defect which results in hairlessness and also lack of a thymus.
molecule which coats a pathogen and promotes its phagocytosis: antibody, complement, and MBL are opsonins.
chemical process yielding toxic oxygen radicals and peroxides.
PolyAcrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, a technique for separating proteins by size using an electric current.
immunization using pre-formed antibody from another individual.
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (lymphocyte or monocyte)
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Leukocyte
bacterial cell wall material
molecule used by NK cells and cytotoxic T cells (CTL) to make pores in the membranes of target cells.
organs where lymphocytes are exposed to antigen: lymph nodes and spleen.
lymphoid tissue in the peritoneal cavity, associated with the digestive tract.
cell which engulfs particles: macrophages and neutrophils are the principal phagocytes of the immune system.
process of engulfing particle.
cytoplasmic vesicle containing the engulfed particle.
genetic characteristics expressed by the cell or organism.
fluid part of the blood, containing all proteins including clotting factors.
piece of circular bacterial DNA, separate from the chromosome, which carries genetic information and is copied and inherited by daughter cells. Plasmids can be used as vectors to transfer DNA from one cell to another.
DNA or RNA synthesizing enzyme
technique for amplifying specific DNA sequences. Primers complementary to the ends of the DNA sequence to be copied are added to DNA polymerase and nucleotide bases; under repeated cycles of heating and cooling, multiple copies of the desired sequence are produced.
cultured cells which recently came from an animal, plant, or person; not a clone and with a limited life span in culture.
specific sequence of nucleotides, either RNA or DNA, radioactively labeled and used for identifying complementary sequences in Northern blotting (with mRNA) or Southern blotting (with DNA).
region of the DNA where RNA polymerase binds.
protein cutting enzyme.
enzyme that cuts the membrane phospholipid phosphatidyl inositol into diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol triphosphate (IP3).
white blood cell that synthesizes and secretes antibody.
hematopoietic stem cell that can give rise to all blood cells.
PolyMorphoNuclear leukocyte, a white blood cell with a lobed nucleus. Usually refers to a neutrophil.
activation of B cells or T cells with several different antigen specificities.
antibody molecules with several different antigen-binding specificities.
selection process that allows a cell to survive or persist in a mixed population. Lymphocytes must be positively selected during their development and activation to become effector cells.
a lymphocyte which has undergone H chain but not L chain somatic recombination.
present on pre B cells; H chain with surrogate light chain (V pre B plus l5).
surrogate light chain on a pre T cell.
becoming insoluble; an assay for antibody-antigen complexes.
lymphoid organ in which lymphocytes mature: bone marrow and thymus.
initial adaptive immune response to an antigen.
developing lymphocyte which has undergone D-J joining in the Ig gene region and expressed CD45 (B22) but had not yet become a pre B cell.
somatic recombination of BCR or TCR gene segments that results in synthesis and membrane expression of a functional (antigen-binding) receptor.
plasma regulator of alternative pathway complement function; stabilizes the C3bBb3b complex.
cytoplasmic organelle which processes (cuts into peptides) cytoplasmic proteins for transport and display on membrane class I MHC.
CD59, a membrane inhibitor of complement membrane attack complex.
second messenger in lymphocyte activation; cytoplasmic enzyme that phosphorylates and activates transcription factor NFkB.
an individual whose immune system has been destroyed by irradiation and replaced by hematopoietic stem cells from another individual. The name comes from the mythological beast which is part lion, part goat, and part snake (see chimera).
assay for antigen-antibody binding which is detected using radioactive ligand.
Recombination Activating Gene(s). Gene(s) for the recombinase that is required for somatic recombination of both BCR and TCR genes.
Regulation upon Activation Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted, a chemokine.
molecule which specifically binds a ligand; ligand binding triggers a specific response from the cell. Most receptors are on the cell's plasma membrane, but some can be cytoplasmic. Antigen is the ligand for the mIg on B lymphocytes and triggers B cell immune responses; insulin is the ligand for insulin receptor and triggers glucose uptake.
"second" chance somatic recombination events, usually on L or a chain gene segments to produce a functional BCR or TCR.
DNA composed of DNA from more than one source; for example, bacterial gene(s) in a virus genome.
vaccine made by putting desired pathogen genes into a vector.
enzyme which catalyzes somatic recombination of BCR and TCR gene segments.
DNA sequence that allows for correct recombinase joining of different gene segments.
gene whose protein product can be easily measured, usually by its enzymatic activity. Included with cloned DNA to demonstrate integration of DNA into a transformed cell.
bacterial enzyme which cuts DNA at particular DNA sequence; several hundred have been isolated.
technique using two or more restriction endonucleases separately and together to cut DNA into segments of different sizes, then separating segments by gel electrophoresis to determine the location of the restriction sequences in the DNA.
DNA-synthesizing enzyme which uses an RNA template.
enzyme that transcribes RNA into complementary DNA.
Rhesus antigen, protein antigen on erythrocytes.
human antibody to Rh antigen given to women to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn.
IgM anti-IgG, found in the serum of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
Radio Immuno Assay; assay for antigen-antibody binding which is detected using radioactive ligand.
mice with Severe Combined Immune Deficiency resulting from the failure to develop mature T and B lymphocytes; suitable for adoptive transfer experiments in which their immune systems can be restored with normal cells.
SCID mice in which the immune system has been restored with human cells, so they have mature human B and T cells; used for the study of human lymphoid development and AIDS.
usually an enzyme which is activated by ligand binding to receptor and transmits the ligand signal into the cytoplasm (and eventually the nucleus) to alter cell function.
lymphoid organ in which lymphocytes are activated by antigen and accessory cells and become effector cells and memory cells. Includes the lymph nodes, spleen, mucosal lymphoid tissue, and bone marrow.
repeat immune response to an antigen; memory response.
protein on secretory Ig A which protects it from protease digestion
IgA which is secreted from mucosal epithelial cells in the digestive, respiratory, and genital tract. Secretory IgA has an additional protein (secretory component) which protects it from protease digestion.
adhesion molecule which binds to carbohydrates. For example, L-selectin on lymphocytes binds to carbohydrates in the secondary lymphoid organs and allows the lymphocytes to leave the circulation and enter the lymphoid tissue.
antigen normally present in one's own body, especially that with which the immune system has contact.
initial contact with an allergen that results in IgE production and binding to mast cells, so that subsequent contact leads to rapid allergic symptoms.
shock caused by immune response to infection.
antigenic specificity of a pathogen.
liquid part of the blood minus the clotting factors.
usually refers to low blood volume which can lead to death.
enzymatic cascade which follows ligand binding to receptor and results in change in cell function.
T cell with either CD4 or CD8 on its membrane.
mutation occurring preferentially in the V region of Ig genes during B cell clonal proliferation.
process of cutting and splicing DNA segments to produce functional BCR or TCR genes.
process used to identify specific pieces of DNA carrying a particular sequence. DNA is cleaved by restriction endonucleases and separated by gel electrophoresis, and blotted onto nitrocellulose paper. A probe of radioactively labeled RNA or DNA is incubated with the blot under conditions where it will hybridize with a complementary sequence.
cell which can develop into more mature functional cells.
vaccine in which only parts of the antigen or pathogen are administered.
antigen which binds TCR Vb and class II MHC outside the normal binding site and activates many different clones of T cells.
T cell which inhibits the function of B cells or other T cells.
alpha chain produced in pre T cells. Used to positively select pre T cells which have successfully undergone somatic recombination of b chain for further development.
light chain produced in pre B cells. Used to positively select pre B cells which have successfully undergone somatic recombination of L chain for further development.
DNA sequence that allows a plasma cell to recombine V region DNA with a different C region.
multi-nucleate cells formed when cells fuse their plasma membranes.
homozygous at >98% of genes; see inbred mice.
systemic autoimmune disease characterized by facial rash (wolf-like markings, hence "lupus"), high levels of anti-DNA antibodies, and joint and kidney damage from immune complexes.
lymphocyte which has developed in the thymus and has membrane TCR that binds antigen plus self MHC. T cells are either helper (CD4) or cytotoxic (CD8) phenotype.
biochemical process of stimulating a resting T cell to become an effector cell.
development of T cells in the thymus.
selection of T cells which can bind self MHC with appropriate affinity to be MHC-restricted.
antigen which generates T cell help for B cells.
antigen which stimulates B cell directly, without T cell help.
Transporter of Antigen Peptide; protein complex that moves peptides from the cytoplasm into the endoplasmic reticulum where that can bind class I MHC.
chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum which facilitates peptide loading onto class I MHC.
cell to be lysed by a cytotoxic cell; usually a virus-infected cell, for ADCC an antibody-coated cell.
T cell (antigen) receptor, membrane molecule that binds antigen peptide plus MHC.
instructions for synthesis; mRNA is synthesized from a DNA template by an RNA polymerase which reads the DNA sequence and inserts complementary RNA bases.
Tumor Growth Factor beta, a cytokine made by T cells and monocytes.
helper T cell that activates macrophages and cytotoxic T cells.
helper T cell that activates B cells.
cell which resides in the thymus
primary lymphoid organ in which T lymphocytes mature
quantification of antibody, often expressed as the highest dilution to give a positive response.
Tumor-Necrosis Factor alpha, a cytokine made by macrophages, mast cells and NK cells.
Tumor-Necrosis Factor beta, a cytokine made by T cells.
the inability of the immune system to respond to an antigen.
lymphoid tissue in the throat.
inactivated toxin, often used as a vaccine against the toxin.
synthesis of mRNA from DNA template.
transfer of foreign DNA into a cell.
transfer of a recombinant plasmid vector into a bacterial cell, or conversion of a normal cell into a cancer cell.
cloned foreign gene inserted into a cell.
mice which have a foreign gene in their cells. Since the gene is inserted into a fertilized egg, it is present in all cells of the mouse but may not be expressed in all cells.
synthesis of protein from messenger RNA (mRNA)
dye which can enter dead cells, used for determining viability.
Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin, a super antigen produced by Staphylococcus aureus that causes toxic shock syndrome.
subspecialty of immunology dealing with immune responses to tumors.
also called hives: small areas of local inflammation in the skin.
antigen used for deliberate exposure and induction of protective immunity.
cell adhesion molecule (CAM) on vascular endothelium.
endothelial cells lining the blood vessels.
Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule, CAM found on the endothelial cells lining blood vessels.
autonomously replicating DNA molecule which can be used to clone and move inserted DNA from cell to cell. Commonly used vectors are viruses and bacterial plasmids.
stain that differentiates between live and dead cells.
plasma protein (also called S protein) that block binding of complement C567.
part of the surrogate light chain on pre B cells.
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins followed by blotting and, binding of enzyme-tagged specific antibodies; used to detect specific antigens.
X-linked Severe Combined Immune Deficiency, due to defect in IL-2 receptor g chain.
organ graft from another species
transplantation of tissue from another species
X-Linked Agammglobulinemia, an immune deficiency caused by lack of Bruton's thymidine kinase and resulting in recurring infections due to nearly complete absence of serum Ig.
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