IMMUNE PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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An immune protein, also known as an immunoglobulin, is a class of proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances, known as antigens. These proteins play a crucial role in the body's defense mechanism against pathogens and other harmful entities. Immune proteins are a fundamental component of the adaptive immune system, providing targeted protection against specific antigens.
The structure of immune proteins consists of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, which are linked together to form a Y-shaped molecule. The variable region of the protein, located at the tips of the Y, is responsible for antigen recognition. This region possesses an extensive diversity, allowing immune proteins to bind to a wide range of antigens with high specificity.
Upon encountering an antigen, immune proteins bind to it, marking it for destruction by other components of the immune system, such as phagocytes or complement proteins. Additionally, immune proteins can also neutralize pathogens directly or recruit other immune cells to the site of infection.
Due to their critical role in immunity, deficiencies or abnormalities in immune proteins can lead to various immunological disorders. These disorders can include autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, or immunodeficiency diseases, where the immune system fails to provide adequate protection against pathogens.
In summary, immune proteins are specialized proteins produced by the immune system that recognize and bind to foreign substances, leading to their elimination and protection against infectious diseases.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for IMMUNE PROTEIN
- ummune protein
- jmmune protein
- kmmune protein
- ommune protein
- 9mmune protein
- 8mmune protein
- inmune protein
- ikmune protein
- ijmune protein
- imnune protein
- imkune protein
- imjune protein
- immyne protein
- immhne protein
- immjne protein
- immine protein
- imm8ne protein
- imm7ne protein
- immube protein
- immume protein
Etymology of IMMUNE PROTEIN
The etymology of the word "immune protein" can be broken down into two parts: "immune" and "protein".
- "Immune" comes from the Latin word "immūnis", which means "exempt", "free", or "unhindered". In the context of the immune system, it refers to being protected from, or having resistance to, harmful pathogenic microorganisms or toxins.
- "Protein" originates from the French word "protéine", which was coined around 1838 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist. It was derived from the Greek word "prōteios", meaning "primary" or "first rank". The term was introduced to describe the class of organic compounds that are essential building blocks of living organisms, consisting of long chains of amino acids.
