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Immune response The response of the immune system
to challenge by a foreign antigen.
Immune serum Blood serum containing antibodies.
Immune system The combination of cells, biological
substances (such as antibodies) and cellular activities
that work together to provide resistance to disease.
Immunity Nonsusceptibility to a disease or to the toxic
effects of antigenic material. See also Active immunity;
Cell-mediated immunity; Natural active immunity;
Natural passive immunity; Passive immunity.
Immunoassay Technique for identifying substances based
on the use of antibodies.
Immunodiagnostic The use of specific antibodies to
measure a substance. This tool is useful in diagnosing
infectious diseases and the presence of foreign
substances in a variety of human and animal fluids
(blood, urine, etc.). The approach is currently being
investigated as a way of locating tumor cells in the
body.
Immunofluorescence Technique for identifying antigenic
material that uses an antibody labeled with fluorescent
material. Specific binding of the antibody and antigen
can be seen under a microscope by applying ultraviolet
light rays and noting the visible light that is produced.
Immunogen Any substance that can elicit an immune
response.
Immunoglobulin General name for proteins that
function as antibodies. These proteins differ somewhat
in structure and are grouped into five categories on
the basis of these differences; immunoglobulin G
(IgG), IgM, IgA, IgE and IgD.
Immunology Study of all phenomena related to the
body's response to antigenic challenge (i.e., immunity,
sensitivity and allergy).
Immunomodulators A diverse class of proteins that boost
the immune system. Many are cell growth factors that
accelerate the production of specific cells that are
important in mounting an immune response in the
body. These proteins are being investigated for use in
possible treatments for cancer.
Immunotoxins Specific monoclonal antibodies
that have a protein toxin molecule attached. The
monoclonal antibody is targeted against a tumor cell,
and the toxin is designed to kill that cell when the
antibody binds to it.
Inducer A molecule or substance that increases the rate
of enzyme synthesis, usually by blocking the action of
the corresponding repressor.
In situ In its original or natural place or position.
Interferon A class of lymphokine proteins important in
the immune response. There are three major types
of interferon: alpha (leukocyte), beta (fibroblast) and
gamma (immune). Interferons inhibit viral infections
and may have anticancer properties.
Interleukin A type of lymphokine that regulates the growth
and development of white blood cells. Twelve interleukins
(IL-1 through IL-12) have been identified to date.
Intron In eukaryotic cells, a sequence of DNA that is
contained in the gene but does not encode for protein.
The presence of introns “splits” the coding region of
the gene into segments called exons. See also Exon;
Splicing.
Investigational New Drug Application (IND) An
application to begin studies of a new drug or biologic
on humans. The IND gives the plan for the study and
contains formulation, manufacturing and animal test
result information.
In vitro Literally, "in glass." Performed in a test tube or
other laboratory apparatus.
In vivo In a living organism.
Islet cells Pancreatic cells that are the source of insulin
and two other hormones involved in regulating
glucose metabolism and absorption.
Isoenzyme One of the several forms that a given enzyme
can take. The forms may differ in certain physical
properties, but function similarly as biocatalysts.
Isogenic Of the same genotype.
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