Medical dictionary. 2011.
antigen-antibody complex — (= immune complex) The product of the reaction of antigen and immunoglobulin. If the antigen is polyvalent the complex may be insoluble; see also glomerulonephritis, Arthus reaction, Type III hypersensitivity. Immune complexes activate complement … Dictionary of molecular biology
Antibody — Immunoglobulin redirects here. For the immunoglobulin family, see Immunoglobulin superfamily. Antibodies redirects here. For the film, see Antibodies (film). Each antibody binds to a specific antigen; an interaction similar to a lock and key. An… … Wikipedia
complex — 1. An organized constellation of feelings, thoughts, perceptions, and memories that may be in part unconscious and may strongly influence associations and attitudes. 2. In chemistry, the relatively stable combination of two or more compounds into … Medical dictionary
Antibody — An ti*bod y ([a^]n t[i^]*b[o^]d [y^]), n. 1. (Med., Physiol. Chem.) Any of various bodies or substances in the blood which act in antagonism to harmful foreign bodies, as toxins or the bacteria producing the toxins. Normal blood serum apparently… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Antibody opsonization — is the process by which a pathogen is marked for ingestion and destruction by a phagocyte. Opsonization involves the binding of an opsonin, i.e., antibody, to a receptor on the pathogen s cell membrane [ [http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi… … Wikipedia
Antigen — Each antibody binds to a specific antigen; an interaction similar to a lock and key. An antigen is a foreign molecule that, when introduced into the body, triggers the production of an antibody by the immune system. The immune system will then… … Wikipedia
Antigen-presenting cell — An antigen presenting cell (APC) or accessory cell is a cell that displays foreign antigen complexed with MHC on its surface. T cells may recognize this complex using their T cell receptor (TCR). Types APCs fall into two categories: professional… … Wikipedia
antigen — Any substance that, as a result of coming in contact with appropriate cells, induces a state of sensitivity and/or immune responsiveness after a latent period (days to weeks) and that reacts in a demonstrable way with antibodies and/or immune… … Medical dictionary
antigen — noun Etymology: German, from French antigène, from anticorps antibody + gène gen Date: 1908 any substance (as an immunogen or a hapten) foreign to the body that evokes an immune response either alone or after forming a complex with a larger… … New Collegiate Dictionary
Immune complex — Diseases An immune complex is formed from the integral binding of an antibody to a soluble antigen. The bound antigen acting as a specific epitope, bound to an antibody is referred to as a singular immune complex. After an antigen antibody… … Wikipedia
