Active Immunotherapy is a medical treatment that triggers an immune response against a specific disease. The pronunciation of "Active Immunotherapy" is /ˈæk.tɪv ˌɪm.juː.nəˈθɛr.ə.pi/. It is spelled as "a" as in "cat", "c" as in "cent", "t" as in "timer", "i" as in "bit", "v" as in "vine", "u" as in "few", "n" as in "not", "o" as in "go", "θ" as in "thin", and "y" as in "yes". The spelling and pronunciation are significant for medical professionals and patients alike.
Active immunotherapy is a therapeutic approach that aims to stimulate and enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate specific antigens, such as cancer cells or infectious pathogens. It involves the administration of immunogens or antigens that can induce an immune response, leading to the activation of immune cells and the production of specific immune molecules.
In active immunotherapy, the immunogens can be whole cells, proteins, peptides, or nucleic acids derived from the target antigen. These immunogens are designed to mimic the target antigen, triggering an immune response against it. When introduced into the body, these immunogens are recognized by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells, which process and present the antigen to T cells.
The process of active immunotherapy involves several steps. First, the immunogens are delivered to the patient through various routes such as injection or ingestion. Then, the presented antigen is recognized by T cells, which activate and proliferate, leading to the expansion of antigen-specific T cells. These T cells, along with other immune cells, then orchestrate an immune response to specifically attack cells expressing the target antigen, such as cancer cells or infected cells.
Active immunotherapy holds promise for treating various diseases, including cancer, chronic infections, and autoimmune disorders. By stimulating the immune system's natural defense mechanisms, active immunotherapy aims to enhance the body's ability to recognize and eliminate specific antigens, providing a potentially effective and targeted therapeutic approach for these conditions.
The word "Active Immunotherapy" can be broken down into two parts: "active" and "immunotherapy".
The term "active" originated in the late 14th century from the Latin word "activus", meaning "pertaining to action or process". It was derived from the verb "agere", which means "to do, make, act". Over time, "active" has come to represent something that is engaged in action or characterized by movement or energy.
On the other hand, "immunotherapy" combines two words: "immune" and "therapy". "Immune" originated in the early 15th century from the Latin word "immunis", which means "exempt from public service, free, or unpunished". In the context of immunology, it refers to the body's ability to resist or protect against certain diseases or substances.