immune response

the response of the immune system to invasion of the body by foreign substances (antigens). Nonspecific immune responses include inflammation (with the release of histamine) and phagocytosis of invading microbes, tissues, and so forth by leukocytes (white blood cells). The two types of specific immune response are humoral immunity, in which B lymphocytes produce antibodies that either directly destroy antigens or enhance the destruction of antigens by other cells; and cell-mediated immunity, mediated by T lymphocytes, which attack antigens directly and specifically. See also antigen–antibody reaction.

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

carisoprodol

n. a drug belonging to the propanediols, a group originally developed as anxiolytics. Carisoprodol is now used as a muscle relaxant and is increasingly seen as an intoxicant drug of abuse. U.S. trade name: Soma.