LEUKOCYTE ANTIGENS Meaning and
Definition
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Leukocyte antigens, also known as human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), are proteins present on the surface of cells that play a crucial role in the recognition and regulation of the immune system. These antigens are unique to each individual, except for identical twins, and they help distinguish between the body's own healthy cells and foreign or potentially harmful substances.
The leukocyte antigens are encoded by a cluster of genes called the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The MHC genes are located on chromosome 6 in humans and are divided into three classes: class I, class II, and class III. The class I and class II genes encode proteins that are responsible for presenting antigens to T-lymphocytes, which are crucial for the activation and regulation of immune responses.
Leukocyte antigens are highly polymorphic, meaning they exhibit extensive variations within a population. This polymorphism allows the immune system to recognize a wide variety of foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells. The diversity of leukocyte antigens also plays a role in transplant compatibility, as matching HLAs between the donor and recipient reduces the risk of rejection.
In medical contexts, the analysis of leukocyte antigens is essential in various fields, including immunogenetics, transplantation, and disease associations. Understanding an individual's leukocyte antigen profile is crucial for determining compatibility for organ or tissue transplantation and for studying the genetic basis of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and other immune-related disorders.
Common Misspellings for LEUKOCYTE ANTIGENS
- keukocyte antigens
- peukocyte antigens
- oeukocyte antigens
- lwukocyte antigens
- lsukocyte antigens
- ldukocyte antigens
- lrukocyte antigens
- l4ukocyte antigens
- l3ukocyte antigens
- leykocyte antigens
- lehkocyte antigens
- lejkocyte antigens
- leikocyte antigens
- le8kocyte antigens
- le7kocyte antigens
- leujocyte antigens
- leumocyte antigens
- leulocyte antigens
- leuoocyte antigens
- leuiocyte antigens
Etymology of LEUKOCYTE ANTIGENS
The word "leukocyte antigens" is derived from two main components: "leukocyte" and "antigens".
1. Leukocyte: The term "leukocyte" comes from the Greek words "leukos" meaning "white" and "kytos" meaning "cell". Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are a group of cells that play a vital role in the immune response and defense against foreign substances and infectious agents.
2. Antigens: The word "antigen" originates from the combination of two Latin words, "anti" meaning "against" and "gen" meaning "producer". An antigen is a substance that triggers an immune response in the body, leading to the production of antibodies. Antigens can be proteins, carbohydrates, or other molecules recognized as foreign by the immune system.
