Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs) – Definition, Types, Mechanism

Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs)

Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs) are immune cells which capture foreign antigens, process them and present them on their cell surface. The antigen is presented with Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. It is important for activation of T cells. APCs are the link between innate and adaptive immune response. They take antigen from microbes, infected cells … Read more

Immunodiffusion Reaction – Definition, Principle, Types, Process, Uses

Immunodiffusion reaction 

Immunodiffusion refers to the movement of antigen or antibody within the gel. Add the reactants to the wells. They diffuse to the area of lower/no concentration. A gradient of the reactants’ concentration forms as they diffuse into the gel. Immunoprecipitation takes place in a region with an equivalent concentration of both the antibody and antigen. This is represented by bands.

Flow Cytometry – Principle, Process, Uses

Flow cytometry Principle, Process, Uses

Flow cytometry is a laser based analytical technique used to measure physical and chemical characters of cells or particles present in a fluid. In this method, cells pass one by one through a laser beam. The scattered light and fluorescence signals are detected and analysed. Flow cytometry is a laser based technique. It is used … Read more

Tumor – Types, Tumor Antigens, Risk Factors

Tumors - Types, Tumor Antigens, Risk Factors

Tumor is also called neoplasm. It is an abnormal solid mass of tissue. It is formed when cells multiply in uncontrolled way or when cells do not die at proper time. Tumor is different from cyst. Cyst is usually filled with fluid or air. But tumor is a solid growth. It has no useful function … Read more

Immunotherapy For Tumor – Principle, Types, Mechanism

Immunotherapy For Tumors

Immunotherapy for tumors is a treatment method where the body immune system is used to act against cancer cells. It helps immune cells to identify and kill tumor cells. It is not like chemotherapy, because chemotherapy directly attacks dividing cells. In immunotherapy, immune response is increased or trained against cancer antigen. The main target is … Read more

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD)  – Causes, Pathogenesis, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) 

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inherited primary immunodeficiency disease. It affects the phagocytic cells mainly neutrophils and macrophages. These cells are normally used to kill the invading bacteria and fungi. It is caused due to mutation in genes which are related with NADPH oxidase enzyme complex. Due to defect in this enzyme complex, … Read more

Immunodeficiencies – Definition, Types, Mechanism, Examples, Animal models

Immunodeficiencies - Definition, Types, Animal models(Nude and SCID mice)

Immunodeficiency is a condition in which the immune system becomes weak or defective. It may occur due to defect in lymphocytes, phagocytes or complement system. In this condition, the body becomes more susceptible to infections. Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system becomes fully or partly impaired. It occurs due to defect, failure … Read more

Hypersensitivity – Definition, Types, Mechanisms, Examples

Hypersensitivity - Definition, Types, Mechanisms, Examples

Hypersensitivity is an abnormal immune reaction of the body. It is an exaggerated response against an antigen. This reaction causes tissue damage and different physiological disturbances in the body. Normally immune system protects the body from harmful substances. But in hypersensitivity, the same immune system reacts in harmful way. It may react against harmless substances … Read more

Cytotoxic T cells – Development, Activation, Functions

Cytotoxic T cells

Cytotoxic T cells are special type of white blood cells present in the adaptive immune system. These cells are commonly called CD8⁺ T cells. They are mainly used to destroy the body cells which are infected by virus, intracellular pathogens or changed into cancerous cells. Cytotoxic T cells continuously move in the body and check … Read more

Cell Mediated Immune Response – Definition, Mechanism, Cells Involved

Cell Mediated Immune Response 

Cell mediated immune response is a type of adaptive immune response in which T lymphocytes directly react against the foreign antigen. It does not mainly depend on circulating antibody. It is mostly active against intracellular pathogens, infected cells and some abnormal cells. This immune response is mainly carried out by cytotoxic T cells (CD8⁺) and … Read more