ALLOANTIBODY Meaning and
Definition
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An alloantibody refers to an antibody that is produced by an individual's immune system in response to stimuli or foreign antigens from another individual of the same species. Specifically, the term "allo" denotes that the antigen originates from someone other than the individual producing the antibody.
Alloantibodies primarily arise due to genetic differences between individuals, which give rise to distinct protein markers on the surfaces of cells or tissues. These markers, known as antigens, act as identification tags that allow the immune system to recognize "self" from "non-self." When foreign antigens are encountered, such as during a blood transfusion or organ transplantation, the immune system may perceive them as threats and activate B cells to produce alloantibodies targeting these foreign antigens.
The production of alloantibodies can lead to an immune response called alloimmunity, wherein the immune system attacks and destroys cells or tissues bearing the foreign antigen. This process can cause adverse reactions, particularly in cases of blood transfusions or organ transplants, where the immune system recognizes the transplanted material as foreign and mounts an immune response against it.
Alloantibodies play a crucial role in medical settings, as they determine the compatibility between donor and recipient for transplantation procedures. Cross-matching tests are commonly performed to identify the presence of alloantibodies in the recipient's blood to ensure a safe and successful transplant. Furthermore, understanding the nature and functioning of alloantibodies is essential in clinical immunology and pathology to diagnose and manage conditions involving immune-mediated reactions between individuals.
Common Misspellings for ALLOANTIBODY
- zlloantibody
- slloantibody
- wlloantibody
- qlloantibody
- akloantibody
- aploantibody
- aoloantibody
- alkoantibody
- alpoantibody
- alooantibody
- alliantibody
- allkantibody
- alllantibody
- allpantibody
- all0antibody
- all9antibody
- allozntibody
- allosntibody
- allowntibody
Etymology of ALLOANTIBODY
The word "alloantibody" is derived from two parts - "allo" and "antibody".
1. "Allo" comes from the Greek word "allos", meaning "other" or "different". In biology and medicine, "allo-" is commonly used as a prefix to indicate something that is different or foreign.
2. "Antibody" refers to a type of protein produced by the immune system in response to the presence of antigens (foreign substances) in the body. Antibodies help in recognizing and neutralizing these antigens.
Combining these two parts, "alloantibody" refers to an antibody produced in response to antigens that are genetically different or foreign, typically from another individual of the same species. It specifically denotes antibodies that are reactive against allelic forms of molecules, such as cell surface antigens or blood group antigens, found in others of the same species.
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