Topic: Immune system

A specialised type of immune cell that initiates and boosts immune responses by showing (presenting) antigens on its surface to other cells of the immune system. A dendritic cell is a type of antigen-presenting cell (APC).

A type of immune cell that helps activate other immune cells, such as T-cells, by displaying antigens on its surface which boosts the immune response. A dendritic cell is one type of antigen-presenting cell.

A type of immune cell called a lymphocyte that becomes activated in response to an antigen. Once activated, B-cells change and produce antibodies in response to the antigen to help neutralise or eliminate the threat. B-cells are part of the adaptive immune system and are also known as a B-lymphocytes.

Adaptive immunity is the body’s specialised defence system that targets harmful foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. It is often called specific immunity, as it produces a targeted response towards specific threats. This system takes longer to respond than our non-specific immunity (innate immunity) but provides long-lasting protection against specific threats. Adaptive […]

An antibody is a protein produced by activated B-cells, a type of immune cell, in response to an antigen – a foreign substance in the body that poses a threat. Antibodies bind to specific antigens, like a key fitting into a lock, to help neutralise or eliminate threats. Antibodies are a type of immunoglobulin and […]

Any substance that triggers the body’s immune response against it and prompts the production of antibodies. Antigens can include toxins, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, fungi or other foreign substances. Body tissues and cells, including cancer cells, can also display antigens that cause an immune response. These antigens can also be used as biomarkers in laboratory tests, […]