Immunology Definitions 📝

the process by which the immune system monitors and identifies abnormal cells, such as cancerous or precancerous cells, and eliminates them before they can develop into serious health issues

(also known as killer T cells) a type of immune cell that destroy infected or cancerous cells in the body. They play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response by recognizing and attacking cells that display specific antigens associated with infections or tumors

a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and destroying infected or cancerous cells. They are part of the innate immune response and can act quickly without prior exposure to pathogens

the reduction of the immune system’s activation or effectiveness, which can make the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases. It can occur deliberately through medications or treatments, or unintentionally due to diseases or conditions

when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells and tissues, treating them as if they were foreign invaders. This can lead to various autoimmune diseases, where the immune response causes damage to specific organs or systems in the body

a state where T cells lose their ability to function effectively due to prolonged stimulation or chronic infections

a novel peptide created by tumor mutations that can be recognized as foreign by the immune system.