Immunology - Biology Notes Online

Agglutination Reaction – Definition, Types, Mechanism, Applications

Published on April 10, 2024 By BNO Team Fact checked & reviewed by BNO Team

In 1896, two bacteriologists, Herbert Edward Durham and Max von Gruber, independently discovered specific agglutination. In honour of the discoverers, this reaction was given the name GruberDurham reaction. Later, Gruber designated as “agglutinin” any chemical that induced an agglutination reaction (from the Latin). Fernand Widal (1862–1929) employed agglutination to diagnose typhoid disease in the same … Read more

Opsonization – Definition, Mechanism, Types, Examples

Published on April 10, 2024 By BNO Team Fact checked & reviewed by BNO Team

What is Opsonization? Definition of Opsonization Opsonization is the process of coating antigens with molecules called opsonins, which mark them for recognition and engulfment by immune cells, enhancing the efficiency of the immune response. Antibody-mediated Opsonization Complement-mediated Opsonization What are Opsonins? Types of Opsonins Opsonins involved in the immune system are diverse and include several … Read more

Basophil – Definition, Mechanism, Structure, Functions

Published on April 10, 2024 By BNO Team Fact checked & reviewed by BNO Team

Basophils are an immunological cell type that release enzyme-containing granules during allergic responses and asthma crises. Basophil is a type of white blood cell that, together with neutrophils and eosinophils, belongs to the granulocytes category. They contain several chemicals, including histamine and heparin. As part of the body’s immune response, basophils degranulate (split open) to … Read more

Phagocytosis – Definition, Steps, and Example

Published on April 10, 2024 By BNO Team Fact checked & reviewed by BNO Team

Phagocytosis refers to the process in which cells consume large particles (>0.5 micrometers) and vesicle-bound membrane vesicles known as phagosomes. These vesicles are then directed to the lysosomes where they will be subjected to enzymatic degrading. Optonization of bacteria can greatly enhance phagocytosis. Although phagocytosis may occur without the attachment of an IgG or complement fragment (C3), it can be greatly enhanced by attaching a specific IgG.

Vaccines – Definition, Development, Mechanism, Types, Examples, Side Effects

Published on April 10, 2024 By BNO Team Fact checked & reviewed by BNO Team

What is Vaccine? Definition of Vaccines Vaccines are medical preparations that stimulate the immune system to provide protection against specific diseases by promoting the production of antibodies and immune memory. How do vaccines work in Immune System? Types of Vaccines Vaccines can be classified into three main groups based on their composition and mode of … Read more

Natural killer (NK) cells – Definition, Structure, Function, Mechanism

Published on April 10, 2024 By BNO Team Fact checked & reviewed by BNO Team

What are Natural Killer (NK) Cells? Definition of NK Cells NK cells, short for Natural Killer cells, are a type of lymphocyte that is part of the innate immune system. They have cytotoxic activity against virus-infected cells and stressed cells like tumor cells. NK cells can recognize and eliminate abnormal cells without the need for … Read more

Monoclonal Antibodies – Definition, Types, Production, Side Effect, Applications

Published on April 10, 2024 By BNO Team Fact checked & reviewed by BNO Team

What are Monoclonal Antibodies? Definition of Monoclonal Antibodies Monoclonal antibodies are artificial antibodies produced in a laboratory by fusing immune cells with cancer cells. They are highly specific in targeting and binding to specific antigens on cells, making them valuable tools in medical research and treatment of diseases, including cancer. Types of monoclonal antibodies based … Read more

Complement Components – Definition, Functional categories

Published on April 10, 2024 By BNO Team Fact checked & reviewed by BNO Team

What is Complement? Functional categories of Complement Components Complement components can be classified into seven functional categories: 1. Initiator complement components 2. Enzymatic mediators 3. Membrane-binding components or opsonins 4. Inflammatory mediators 5. Membrane attack proteins 6. Complement receptor proteins 7. Regulatory complement components FAQ

Lymphocytes – Definition, Development, Types and Functions

Published on April 10, 2024 By BNO Team Fact checked & reviewed by BNO Team

What are Lymphocytes? Lymphocytes are a specialized type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system’s adaptive response. They are the key mediators of both humoral and cellular immunity. Here are some important points about lymphocytes: Definition of Lymphocytes Lymphocytes are specialized white blood cells that are crucial for the … Read more

Which Factors affects Immunogenicity? – Factors affecting Immunogenicity

Published on April 10, 2024 By BNO Team Fact checked & reviewed by BNO Team

What is Immunogenicity? A. Properties of Immunogen 1. Foreignness 2. Molecular Size 3. Chemical Nature and Heterogeneity 4. Physical form 5. Susceptibility to antigen processing and presentation B. Biological System of Host FAQ