IMMUNOSURVEILLANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Immunosurveillance can be defined as the constant monitoring and protection of the body against the development and growth of abnormal cells or pathogens. It is a crucial function of the immune system in recognizing and eliminating potentially harmful cells or organisms before they cause significant damage or disease.
The process of immunosurveillance involves a complex network of immune cells, known as immune surveillance cells, which continually survey the body for any signs of abnormality. These cells primarily include natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). They possess the ability to recognize and destroy cells that exhibit abnormal features, such as virus-infected cells or cancer cells.
Immunosurveillance relies on the recognition of specific molecules known as antigens, which are present on the surface of abnormal cells. NK cells and CTLs have receptors that can identify these antigens and differentiate them from normal cells. Once a recognition occurs, these immune cells release toxic molecules, such as perforin and granzymes, which cause cell death through induction of apoptosis or lysis.
Immunosurveillance plays a critical role in suppressing the development of tumors and preventing the progression of cancer. It acts as an early defense mechanism against the growth and spread of abnormal cells by identifying and eliminating them before they form tumors or metastasize. Moreover, it serves as a constant protective mechanism against infections caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
In conclusion, immunosurveillance is the ongoing surveillance and protection provided by the immune system to detect and eliminate abnormal cells and pathogens, thereby maintaining the body's overall health and preventing the development of diseases.
Common Misspellings for IMMUNOSURVEILLANCE
- ummunosurveillance
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- kmmunosurveillance
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- immynosurveillance
- immhnosurveillance
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- imm8nosurveillance
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- immubosurveillance
- immumosurveillance
Etymology of IMMUNOSURVEILLANCE
The word "Immunosurveillance" is formed by combining two root words: "immune" and "surveillance".
The term "immune" comes from the Latin word "immunis" which means "exempt from" or "free from". It is derived from the combination of "in-" (meaning "not") and "munis" (meaning "duty" or "service").
The word "surveillance" is derived from the French word "surveiller" which means "to watch over" or "to guard". It is formed by combining the prefix "sur-" (meaning "over" or "above") and the verb "veiller" (meaning "to watch" or "to keep vigil").
