Immunology

Anatomical Terms of Immunology

germ line
Genetic material in a cell lineage that is passed down through the gametes before it is modified by somatic recombination or maturation.
accessory cell
Any of various cells of the immune system that work with T or B cells to initiate a specific immune response
acquired immunity
Any form of immunity that is not innate (present at birth) and is obtained during life
ADCC
antibody dependent , cell-mediated cytotoxicity
affinity
The attraction between an antigen and an antibody
agglutination
The cluster of cells such as bacteria or red blood cells in the presence of an antibody
allele
A group of genes
allelic exclusion
Allelic exclusion is a process by which only one allele of a gene is expressed while the other allele is silenced.
allogeneic
Being genetically different although belonging to or obtained from the same species.
allotypes
In immunology, an immunoglobulin allotype is the allele of the antibody chains found in the individual.
alternative complement  pathway
The alternative pathway of the complement system is an innate component of the immune system's natural defense against infections, which can operate without antibody participation.
anaphylatoxins
Anaphylatoxins, or anaphylotoxins, are fragments ( C3a, C4a and C5a) that are produced as part of the activation of the complement system.
antibody
A disease fighting protein developed by the body in response to the presence of a specific antigen
antigen
Substance that stimulates production of antibody
antigen binding site
Specialized ends of antibodies that bind specific antigens.
antigen presenting cell (APC)
An antigen-presenting cell (APC) or accessory cell is a cell that displays foreign antigen complexes with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on their surfaces
antigen processing
Antigen processing is a biological process that prepares antigens for presentation to special cells of the immune system called T lymphocytes.
antigen receptor
The specific antigen-binding receptor on T or B lymphocytes; these receptors are transcribed and translated from rearrangements of V genes.
antigen-antibody reaction/immune reaction
The reaction which involves binding antigens to antibodies to form antigen-antibody complexes that render the toxic antigen harmless.
antigenic determinant
A single antigenic site or epitope on a complex antigenic molecule or particle.
avidity
avidity is a term used to describe the combined strength of multiple bond interactions.
B lymphocyte (B cell)
The lymphocytes that make antibodies against antigens perform the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and eventually develop into memory B cells after activation by antigen interaction.
basophil
A white blood cell with granules that are readily stained by basic dyes, occurring in some blood diseases.
Bence-Jones protein
A Bence Jones protein is a monoclonal globulin protein found in the blood or urine.
blocking antibody
A blocking antibody is an antibody that does not have a reaction when combined with an antigen, but prevents other antibodies from combining with that antigen.
bone marrow
The flexible tissue found in the interior of bones.
bursa of Fabricius
The bursa of Fabricius plays a central role in the development of the antibody- producing B-lymphocyte.
carcinoembryonic  antigen
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion.
cell- mediated cytotoxicity (CMC)
An essential defence against intracellular pathogens
cell-mediated immunity (CMI)
Cell-mediated immunity is an immune response that does not involve antibodies but rather involves the activation of macrophages, natural killer cells (NK), antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various cytokines in response to an antigen.
chemotaxis
Chemotaxis is the phenomenon in which somatic cells, bacteria, and other single-cell or multicellular organisms direct their movements according to certain chemicals in their environment
class I, II, and III MHC molecules
class switch
A  biological mechanism that changes a B cell's production of antibody from one class to another.
classical pathway
The Classical pathway of activation of the complement system is a group of blood proteins that mediate the specific antibody response.
clonal deletion
Clonal deletion is a process by which B cells and T cells are deactivated after they have expressed receptors for self-antigens and before they develop into fully immunocompetent lymphocytes
cluster determinant  (CD)
Cluster of antigens with which antibodies react that characterize a cell surface marker.
combinatorial joining
The joining of segments of DNA to generate essentially new genetic information
complement
A series of serum proteins involved in the mediation of immune reactions
complement components
An enzymatic system of serum proteins triggered by the classical and alternative pathways, and resulting in target cell lysis, phagocytosis, opsonization and chemotaxis.
complement receptor
A structure found on erythrocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages that binds C3 fragments.
constant region (C region)
The invariant carboxyl-terminal portion of an antibody molecule.
cross reactivity
The reaction between an antibody and an antigen that differs from the immunogen
cytokines
Cell movement
cytotoxic (cytolytic) T cell
A cell belongs to a sub-group of T lymphocytes
delayed type hypersensitivity/cell mediated immunity
Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) is a T-cell–mediated defense mechanism against microbes that survive within phagocytes or infect non phagocytic cells
determinant
Part of the antigen molecule which binds to an antibody-combining site or to a receptor on T cells
D-gene
One of a set of genes lying between the V and J genes, which code for the D region of heavy chain or for the beta or delta chain of the T-cell receptor.
differentiation antigen
Any large structural macromolecule that can be detected by immune reagents and that also is associated with the differentiation of a particular cell type or types
digestive system
The digestive system has a protective function by destroying bacteria and other invaders that are accidently swallowed or consumed with food
domain
One of the homologous regions that make up an immunoglobulin's heavy and light chains and serve specific immunological functions.
DR antigens
MHC class II molecules found on B cells and antigen-presenting cells of humans.
enhancing antibodies
Antibodies which enhance the survival of a graft or of a tumor.
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
An assay in which an enzyme is linked to an antibody and a colored substrate is used to measure the activity of bound enzyme and, hence, the amount of bound antibody.
eosinophil
White blood cells that are one of the immune system components responsible for fighting multicellular parasites and certain infections
eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis (ECF-A)
A substrate released from mast cells during anaphylaxis which attracts eosinophils.
epitope
An alternative term for antigenic determinant.
equivalent zone
In a precipitin reaction, the region in which the concentration of antigen and antibody leads to maximal precipitation.
exon
The region of DNA coding for a protein or a segment of a protein.
F(ab')2
A fragment of an antibody containing two antigen-binding sites generated by cleavage of the antibody molecule with the enzyme pepsin which cuts at the hinge region C-terminally to the inter-H-chain disulphide bond.
Fab
Fragment of antibody containing the antigen-binding site, generated by cleavage of the antibody with the enzyme papain, which cuts at the hinge region N-terminally to the inter-H-chain disulphide bond and generates two Fab fragments from one antibody molecule.
Fc
Fragment of antibody without antigen-binding sites, generated by cleavage with papain; the Fc fragment contains the C-terminal domains of the heavy immunoglobulin chains.
Fc receptor (FcR)
A receptor on a cell surface with specific binding affinity for the Fc portion of an antibody molecule. Fc receptors are found on many types of cells.
fluorescent antibody
An antibody coupled with a fluorescent dye, used with a fluorescence microscope to detect antigen on cells, tissues, or microorganisms.
genotype
The genotype is the genetic makeup of a cell, an organism, or an individual.
graft versus host reaction (GVH)
The pathologic consequences of a response initiated by transplanted immunocompetent T lymphocytes into an allogeneic, immunologically incompetent host. The host is unable to reject the grafted T cells and becomes their target.
H-2 complex
The major histocompatibility complex situated on chromosome 17 of the mouse; contains subregions K, I and D.
haplotype
A particular combination of closely linked genes on a chromosome inherited from one patient.
hapten
A hapten is a small molecule that can elicit an immune response only when attached to a large carrier such as a protein
heavy chain (H chain)
The immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) is the large polypeptide subunit of an antibody (immunoglobulin).
helper T cell
The cells which secretes substances that stimulates the production of antibodies by B cell
hemolytic
Removing and destroying worn-out red blood cells
heterophile antigen
A cross-reacting antigen that appears in widely ranging species such as humans and bacteria.
heredity
Genetic process of passing on characteristics
hinge region
A flexible, open segment of an antibody molecule that allows bending of the molecule.
histocompatibility
The ability of tissues to get along
histocytes
The large macrophages found in loose connective tissue
HLA complex
See 'Major histocompatibility complex'.
humoral immunity
Any immune reaction that can be transferred with immune serum is termed humoral immunity
hypersensitivity
State of reactivity to antigen that is greater than normal for the antigenic challenge
hypervariable regions
Portions of the light and heavy immunoglobulin chains that are highly variable in amino acid sequence from one immunoglobulin molecule to another, and that, together, constitute the antigen-binding site of an antibody molecule.
Ia
Immune response-associated proteins, found on B cells and antigen-presenting cells of mice; an old term now replaced with MHC (major histocompatibility complex) class II molecules.
idiotype
A specimen identified as belonging to a specific taxon but collected from other than the type locality
immediate-type hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity tissue reaction occurring within minutes after the interaction of antigen and antibody.
immune adherence
The binding of antibody-antigen-complement complexes to complement receptors found on red blood cells.
immune complex
Antigen bound to antibody.
immune modulators
Substances that control the expression of the immune response.
immune response (Ir) genes
A gene controlling an immune response to a particular antigen.
immune system
A system of biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease
immunity
The state of being resistant or not susceptible to a specific disease
immunogen
A substance capable of inducing an immune response.
immunoglobulin (Ig)
A general term for all antibody molecules.
immunoglobulin A (IgA)
The major antibody in the mucous membrane lining of the intestine
immunoglobulin D (IgD)
The immunoglobulin is found in small amounts in serum tissue
immunoglobulin E (IgE)
The immunoglobulin is concentrated in the lungs, the skin, and the cells of mucous membranes
immunoglobulin G (IgG)
A specialized protein synthesized in response to invasion
immunoglobulin M (IgM)
The first immunoglobulin the body produces when challenged by antigens and is found in circulating fluids
immunoglobulins
The antibodies made by plasma cells
immunology
The study of all aspects of the immune system including its structure and function, disorders of the immune system, blood banking, immunization and organ transplantation.
intact skin
The body's first line of defense against invading organisms because it acts as a physical barrier to prevent their entry into the body
interferon
A group of proteins having antiviral activity and capable of enhancing and modifying the immune response.
interleukins
Glycoproteins secreted by a variety of leukocytes which have effects on other leukocytes.
internal image
A spatial configuration of the combining site of an anti-idiotype antibody which resembles the epitope to which the idiotype is directed.
intron
A segment of DNA that does not code for protein
isograft
A tissue transplanted between two genetically identical individuals.
isohemagglutinins
Antibodies to major red blood cell antigens present normally as a result of inapparent immunization by cross-reactive antigens in bacteria, food, etc.
isotype switch
A biological mechanism that changes a B cell's production of antibody from one class to another.
isotypes
Classes of antibody that differ in the constant region of their heavy chain (Fc portion)
J gene
A gene segment coding for the J or joining segment in immunoglobulin DNA
joining chain (j chain)
A polypeptide involved in the polymerization of immunoglobulin molecules IgM and IgA.
K cell
An effector lymphocyte with Fc receptors which allow it to bind to and kill antibody-coated target cells.
killer T cell
A T cell with a particular immune specificity and an endogenously produced receptor for antigen, capable of specifically killing its target cell after attachment to the target cell by this receptor. Also called cytotoxic T cell.
lacteals
The specialized lymph vessels located in the small intestine
light chain (L chain)
The light chain of immunoglobulin is a structural feature that occurs in two forms: kappa and lambda.
lingual tonsils
The tonsils which are located at the base of the tongue
linkage disequilibrium
The frequency, in a population of linked genes, which is governed by factors other than change.
lymph fluid/intercellular/interstitial fluid
The clear and colorless fluid which transports nutrients to and removes waste from tissues, and circulates immune cells.
lymph nodes
Small bean shaped structures that house B cells and T cells of the immune system.
lymph vessels
The vessels which transports lymph fluid through tissues and returns it into venous blood.
lymphatic capillaries
The thin-walled tubes that carry lymph from the tissue spaces to the larger lymphatic vessels
lymphocyte
Small cell with virtually no cytoplasm, found in blood, in all tissue, and in lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes, spleen, and Peyer's patches, and bears antigen-specific receptors.
lymphokines
Soluble substances secreted by lymphocytes, which have a variety of effects on lymphocytes and other cell types.
lysis
The destruction of cell by penetrating the cell wall, allowing fluid to fill the cell and causing the cell to rupture
macrophage
A large phagocytic cell of the mononuclear series found within tissues.
macrophage-activating factor (MAF)
Actually several lymphokines, including interferon, released by activated T cells, which together induce activation of macrophages, making them more efficient in phagocytosis and cytotoxicity.
major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
A cluster of genes on chromosome 6 in humans, encoding cell surface molecules that are polymorphic and that code for antigens which lead to rapid graft rejection between members of a single species which differ at these loci. Several classes of protein such as MHC class I and II proteins are encoded in this region. These in humans, are known as 'Human leukocyte antigens' (HLA).
mast cell
Tissue located cell probably derived from basophils.
memory
In the immune system, memory denotes an active state of immunity to a specific antigen, such that a second encounter with that antigen leads to a larger and more rapid response.
memory T cell
Cells which remembers the specific antigen and stimulates a faster and more intense response if the same antigen is introduced another time
MHC class I module
A molecule encoded to genes of the MHC which participates in antigen presentation to cytotoxic T (CD8+) cells.
MHC class II module
A molecule encoded by genes of the MHC which participates in antigen presentation to helper T (CD4+) cells.
MHC restriction
The fact that a given T cell will recognize a peptide antigen only when it is bound to a host body's own MHC molecule.
migration inhibition factor (MIF)
A lymphokine that inhibits the motility of macrophages in culture.
minor histocompatibility antigens
These antigens, encoded outside the MHC, are numerous, but do not generate rapid graft rejection or primary responses of T cells in vitro. They do not serve as restricting elements in cell interactions.
mitogen
A substance that stimulates the proliferation of many different clones of lymphocytes.
mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR)
When lymphocytes from two individuals are cultured together, a proliferative response is generally observed, as the result of reactions of T cells of one individual to MHC antigens on the other individual's cells.
monoclonal cells
Monoclonal cells are defined as a group of cells produced from a single ancestral cell by repeated cellular replication.
monocyte
Monocytes are a type of white blood cell and are part of the innate immune system  which plays multiple roles in immune function.
monokines
Soluble substances secreted by monocytes, which have a variety of effects on other cells.
NK cell/natural killer cell
Cells capable of mediating cytotoxic reactions without themselves being specifically sensitized against the target.
null cells
A null cell is a large granular lymphocyte without surface markers or membrane- associated proteins from B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes.
opsonin
An opsonin is any molecule that targets an antigen for an immune response.
opsonization
The process by which bacteria are altered by opsonins so as to become more readily and more efficiently engulfed by phagocytes.
palatine tonsils
The tonsils which located in the oropharynx and are visible through the mouth
paratope
The site on the antibody molecule that attaches to an antigen.
phenotype
The entire physical, biochemical, and physiological makeup of an individual as determined both genetically and environmentally.
pinocytosis
A mechanism by which cells ingest extracellular fluid and its contents.
plasma cell
Spherical or ellipsoidal cells with a single nucleus containing chromatin.
polyclonal activator
A substance that induces activation of many individual clones of either T or B cells. See Mitogen.
polymorphism
The state or quality of existing or occurring in several different forms.
polymorphonuclear leukocyte
A white blood cell containing a segmented lobular nucleus; an eosinophil, basophil, or neutrophil
primary lymphoid organs
Organs in which the maturation of T and B lymphocytes take place and antigen-specific receptors are first acquired.
primary responses
The response that the immune system displays when first exposed to an antigen
reagin
The antibody that mediates immediate hypersensitivity reactions
respiratory burst
The rapid release of reactive oxygen species (superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide) from different types of cells.
respiratory system
It is also a first line of defense
reticuloendothelial system
The reticuloendothelial system (RES) is a part of the immune system that consists of the phagocytic cells located in reticular connective tissue.
rheumatoid factor
Rheumatoid factor (RF or RhF) is an autoantibody (antibody directed against an organism's own tissues) most relevant in rheumatoid arthritis.
second set rejection
Accelerated rejection of an allograft in an already immune recipient.
secondary lymphoid organs
A source of effector lymphocytes, such as the spleen, lymph nodes, or tonsils.
secretory component 
A polypeptide synthesized by epithelial cells that binds to IgA to form secretory IgA (SIgA).
slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A)
A mixture of the leukotrienes LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4. Mast cells secrete it during the anaphylactic reaction, inducing inflammation.  It can be found in basophils.
spleen
A saclike mass of lymphatic tissue  located in  the left upper quadrant of the abdomen just below the diaphragm and behind the stomach
suppression
A mechanism for producing a specific state of immunologic unresponsiveness by the induction of suppressor T cells. This type of unresponsiveness is passively transferable by suppressor T cells or their soluble products.
suppressor T cell
Cells which stops B cell activity when this activity no longer needed
T cells/T lymphocytes
The small and circulating lymphocytes produced in the bone marrow.
T-dependent antigen
T-dependent antigen one that requires the presence of helper T cells to stimulate antibody production by B cells; most antigens are T-dependent.
thymosin
The hormone secreted by he thymus
thymus
The thymus located above the heart and it composed largely of lymphatic tissue and it plays important role both in the body's immunologic and endocrine systems
T-independent antigen
An antigen that can trigger B lymphocytes to produce antibodies without the participation of T lymphocytes. See also T-dependent antigen.
tonsils and adenoids (nasopharyngeal tonsils)
Masses of lymphatic tissue that form a protective ring around the nose and upper throat

Immunology Disease Related Terms

Addison's disease
A rare, chronic endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones (glucocorticoids and often mineralocorticoids).
adenoiditis
An inflammation of the adenoids
allergen
An allergen is any substance that can cause an allergy.
allergy/hypersensitivity
An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system.
anaphylaxis/ systemic reaction
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.
aspergillosis
An infection caused by a fungus of the genus Aspergillus
atopy
Atopy or atopic syndrome is a predisposition toward developing certain allergic hypersensitivity reactions.
autoimmune disorder
The disorder in which the body makes antibodies and T cells directed against itself and attacks its own tissues
autoimmunity (autoallergy)
Autoimmunity is the failure of an organism in recognizing its own constituent parts as non self, which allows an immune response against its own cells and tissues.
candidiasis
An infection caused by a species of the fungus
carrier
Transmitter of disease
cellular response/localized or delayed response
The reaction of the body first time when it is exposed to the potential allergen
Crohn's disease/ regional enteritis
A form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus.
cryptococcal meningitis
A form of meningitis caused by fungus
cytomegalovirus
An infection caused by a group of large herpes type viruses with a wide variety of disease effects
debilitated
Wakened or loss of strength
diabetes mellitus
A group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced.[
Grave's disease
An autoimmune disease where the thyroid is overactive, producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
A swelling (inflammation) of the thyroid gland that often results in reduced thyroid function (hypothyroidism).
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
A lentivirus (a member of the retrovirus family) that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
hybridoma
A hybrid cell that results from the fusion of an antibody-secreting cell with a malignant cell
Immunodeficiency disorder/immune deficiency disease
A condition that occurs when one or more parts of the immune system is deficient or missing.
Kaposi's sarcoma
A malignant, multifocal neoplasm characterized by vascular skin tumors  that may spread in the skin, mucous membranes, lymph nodes, and viscera (internal organs)
lymphadenitis/swollen glands
An inflammation of the lymph nodes
lymphadenopathy
A disease process affecting the lymph nodes
lymphangioma
A benign abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels forming a mass
mononucleosis
A disorder caused by Epstein Barr virus which is marked by the presence of an abnormally large number of atypical lymphocytes
multiple sclerosis
An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
myasthenia gravis
A neuromuscular disorder which involve the muscles and the nerves that control them.
myeloma
A tumor of plasma cells, generally secreting a single species of immunoglobulin.
nocardiosis
An infection caused by the bacterium Nocardia asteroides
opportunistic infection
An infection that normally does not cause disease but is able to cause illness in a debilitated host whose resistance has been decreased by a different disorder
peritonsillar abscess/Quinsy sore throat
An infection of the tissue between the tonsil and pharynx
persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL)
The continued presence of diffuse enlargement of lymph nodes
phagocytosis
The engulfing of microorganisms or other cells and foreign particles by phagocytes
Pneumocystis carinii
A form of pneumonia caused by an infection with the parasite
psoriasis
A common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation.
rheumatoid arthritis  (RA)
A long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues
scleroderma
A connective tissue disease that involves changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs
seropositive
Lacking antibodies of a specific type serum
serum sickness
Serum sickness is a type of delayed allergic response, appearing four to 10 days after exposure to some antibiotics or antiserum
splenomegaly
An enlargement of the spleen
splenorrhagia
The bleeding from the spleen
systemic lupus erythematous
An autoimmune disorder  that affects many body systems including joints, connective tissue, skin, and major organs throughout the body
tolerance
Diminished or absent capacity to make a specific response to an antigen, usually produced because of contact with that antigen under non-immunizing conditions.
tonsillitis
An inflammation of the tonsils
toxoid
A modified or inactivated exotoxin that has lost toxicity but retains the ability to combine with, or stimulate the production of, antitoxin.
toxoplasmosis
An infection with the protozoan parasite
unresponsive
Inability to respond to antigenic stimulus.

Treatment Related Terms of Immunology 

allograft
The transplant of an organ or tissue from one individual to another of the same species with a different genotype
Antineoplastic
A drug that blocks the growth of neoplasms and is used to treat cancer
autograft
Tissue transplanted from one part of the body to another in the same individual.
clonal selection theory
There are several million clones of antibody-producing cells in each adult, each programmed to make an antibody of a single specificity and carrying cell-surface receptors for specific antigens; exposure to antigen induces cells with receptors for that antigen to proliferate and produce large quantities of specific antibody.
Coombs' test/antiglobulin test/AGT
A clinical blood test
corticosteroid drug
A hormonal preparation used primarily as an anti-inflammatory and as an immunosuppressant
cytotoxic drug
The drug that kills or damages cells. It is used as an antineoplastic and as an immunosuppressant
direct Coombs' test (DCT)/ direct antiglobulin test  (DAT)
A test for autoimmune hemolytic anemia
ELISA
A blood test to used to detect the presence of HIV antibodies
Freund's adjuvant
Freund's adjuvant is a solution of antigen emulsified in mineral oil and used as an immunopotentiator (booster). The complete form, Freund's Complete Adjuvant,(CFA or FCA) is composed of inactivated and dried mycobacteria (usually M. tuberculosis), whereas the incomplete form (IFA or FIA) lacks the mycobacterial components (hence just the water in oil emulsion).
immunosuppressant
A drug that prevent or reduces the body's normal reactions to invasion by disease or by foreign tissues. They are used to prevent the rejection of donor tissue
immunosuppression
The administration of agents that significantly interfere with the ability of the immune system to respond to antigenic stimulation
immunotherapy
A treatment of allergic responses in which increasingly large doses of the offending allergens are administered to gradually develop immunity
indirect Coombs test/ indirect antiglobulin test  (IAT)
The indirect Coombs test identifies antibodies to red blood cells[1][2][3][4][5]. This test is used to help screen for suspected ABO incompatibility reaction[1][2][3][4][5]. It is also used when an Rh incompatibility reaction in pregnant women is suspected[6][1][7].
passive immunization
Treatment that provides immunity through the transfer of antibodies obtained from an immune individual.
prophylaxis
A prophylaxis is a measure taken to maintain health and prevent the spread of disease.
radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
A solid-phase radioimmunoassay for detecting IgE antibody specific for a particular allergen.
radioimmunoassay (RIA)
A highly sensitive and specific assay method that uses the competition between radiolabeled and unlabeled substances in an antigen-antibody reaction to determine the concentration of the unlabeled substance, which may be an antibody or a substance against which specific antibodies can be produced.
Scratch test
A diagnostic test to identify commonly troublesome allergens such as tree pollen and ragweed.
splenectomy
The surgical removal of spleen
splenorrhaphy
To suture the spleen
syngeneic
Genetically identical or closely related, so as to allow tissue transplant; immunologically compatible.
syngraft
A graft between genetically identical individuals, typically between identical twins
titre
The reciprocal of the last dilution of a titration giving a measurable effect.
vaccination
The use of vaccines to prevent specific diseases.
western blot
A blood test used to diagnose HIV. It is most frequently used to confirm seropositive ELISA results