ANERGIC Meaning and
Definition
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Anergic is an adjective used in medical and immunological contexts to describe a state of diminished or suppressed immune response. The term is derived from the word "anergy," which refers to a lack of immune reactivity towards an antigenic stimulus. An immune response is typically initiated when the immune system recognizes foreign substances, such as pathogens or cancer cells, and launches a defensive reaction to eliminate them. However, in certain situations, the immune system fails to mount an effective response, and this is known as anergy.
In an anergic state, immune cells, particularly T cells, exhibit reduced or complete absence of responsiveness to antigens. This impaired immune reaction may arise due to a variety of factors, including chronic exposure to an antigen, inadequate co-stimulation, or regulatory mechanisms that prevent excessive immune activation. Anergic immune cells often display decreased production of cytokines, reduced proliferation, and diminished cytotoxicity.
Anergic states can have implications for an individual's health, as they may potentially result in an increased susceptibility to infections, poor eradication of cancer cells, or a lack of appropriate response to vaccines. Anergic T cells are also associated with autoimmune diseases, which are characterized by the immune system attacking its own body tissues and cells.
Understanding the concept of anergy is crucial in the field of immunology, as it sheds light on the complex regulation of immune responses and immune tolerance.
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1. Lethargic; marked by total absence of energy or extreme inactivity. 2. Relating to, or marked by, anergy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANERGIC
- anarcic
- anergetic
- znergic
- qnergic
- abergic
- amergic
- ajergic
- anwrgic
- ansrgic
- andrgic
- anrrgic
- an4rgic
- an3rgic
- aneegic
- anedgic
- anefgic
- ane5gic
- ane4gic
- anerfic
- anervic
Etymology of ANERGIC
The word "anergic" has its roots in Greek and is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "an-" meaning "without" or "lacking", and "ergon" meaning "work" or "action". So, the etymology of "anergic" suggests the absence or lack of a biological response or immune activity.
Similar spelling words for ANERGIC
- anarhichas,
- anarchism,
- anergy,
- anuric,
- anarchy,
- anarchic,
- anorexic,
- anorchia,
- anarchist,
- anorectal,
- anorectic,
- anarchical,
- anorchism.
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