AUTOANTIBODY Meaning and
Definition
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Autoantibodies are a type of antibody that mistakenly target and attack healthy cells and tissues within an organism. These antibodies are classified as self-reactive, as they recognize and bind to antigens present on the body's own cells rather than foreign pathogens or substances. Autoantibodies are a hallmark of autoimmune diseases, which are characterized by the immune system's failure to distinguish between self and non-self.
Typically, the immune system produces antibodies in response to the detection of foreign substances or antigens, such as viruses, bacteria, or toxins. However, in autoimmune diseases, this mechanism goes awry, leading to the production of autoantibodies. These autoantibodies can induce inflammation and damage within various organs or systems, depending on their target.
The diversity of autoimmune diseases is reflected in the wide range of autoantibodies that exist. Examples include antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), which attack the nuclei of cells, rheumatoid factor (RF), which attacks joint tissues, and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which target the thyroid gland.
Autoantibodies are detected through laboratory tests, such as blood tests or immunoassays, which assess the levels and types of antibodies present in a person's bloodstream. Identification of specific autoantibodies can aid in diagnosing and monitoring autoimmune diseases, as well as predicting disease progression or response to treatment.
Understanding the nature and function of autoantibodies is crucial for advancing research and developing targeted therapies aimed at modulating the autoimmune response and reducing the damage caused by these antibodies within the body.
Common Misspellings for AUTOANTIBODY
- zutoantibody
- sutoantibody
- wutoantibody
- qutoantibody
- aytoantibody
- ahtoantibody
- ajtoantibody
- aitoantibody
- a8toantibody
- a7toantibody
- auroantibody
- aufoantibody
- augoantibody
- auyoantibody
- au6oantibody
- au5oantibody
- autiantibody
- autkantibody
- autlantibody
- Autonontibody
Etymology of AUTOANTIBODY
The word "autoantibody" is a compound formed from two separate elements: "auto-" and "antibody".
1. "Auto-" is derived from the Greek word "autos" meaning "self" or "same". It is commonly used as a prefix in English to denote something related to oneself or one's own body.
2. "Antibody" is derived from the combination of two words: "anti-" meaning "against", and "body" referring to a substance produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign substance (antigen).
Combining these two elements, "autoantibody" refers to an antibody that is produced by an individual's immune system and targets their own body's tissues or antigens. It is associated with autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues.
Similar spelling words for AUTOANTIBODY
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