IMMUNE COMPLEX Meaning and
Definition
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Immune complex refers to a type of antigen-antibody complex formed when an antibody binds to an antigen. In the immune response, antigens, which are foreign substances that stimulate an immune response, interact with antibodies produced by the immune system. When an antibody binds to an antigen, an immune complex is formed.
The immune complex can consist of one or more antigen molecules bound to one or more antibodies. The binding between the antigen and antibody is specific and can trigger a series of immune responses. These immune responses can help eliminate the foreign substances from the body, including activation of other immune cells, such as macrophages, that engulf and destroy the immune complexes.
While immune complexes are essential for immune defense, they can also cause harm under certain circumstances. The accumulation of immune complexes in tissues, such as in autoimmune diseases or chronic infections, can lead to inflammation and tissue damage. In these conditions, the immune system is not able to effectively eliminate immune complexes, resulting in their deposition in organs and tissues, which contributes to the development of disease symptoms.
Understanding the formation and clearance of immune complexes is crucial for studying immune-mediated diseases and developing targeted therapies. Techniques such as immunofluorescence microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used to detect and measure immune complexes in clinical and research settings.
Common Misspellings for IMMUNE COMPLEX
- ummune complex
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Etymology of IMMUNE COMPLEX
The word "immune complex" originates from the Greek word "immunis" meaning "exempt" or "free from" and the Latin word "complexus" meaning "twisted" or "entwined". The term was coined in 1960 by a French immunologist, Jean Dausset, who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1980 for his work on the human immune system. An immune complex refers to a combination of an antigen (foreign substance) and an antibody (proteins produced by the immune system in response to the antigen). These complexes play a crucial role in the immune response and can induce various immune-related diseases.
