Immunology Terminologycontinued Immunology Review 370
TERM
Lysozyme
Major histocompatibility
complex (MHC)
Monoclonal antibody
Opsonin
Phagocytosis
Plasma cells
Polyclonal antibody
Postzone
Prozone
Seroconversion
EXPLANATION
Enzyme found in tears & saliva that attacks cell walls of microorganisms.
System of genes that control expression of MHC molecules found on all nucleated cells; originally
referred to as human leukocyte antigens (HLA).
Ab derived from a single B-cell clone.
Serum proteins that attach to foreign substance & enhance phagocytosis.
Engulfment of cells or particulate matter by neutrophils & macrophages.
Transformed B cells that secrete ab.
Ab produced by many B-cell clones.
Reduced ag/ab complexes due to ag excess. Can cause false neg in serological test for ab. Repeat test in
1–2 wk.
Reduced ag/ab complexes due to ab excess. Can cause false neg in serological test for ab. Dilute serum
& retest.
Change of serological test from neg to pos due to development of detectable ab.
continued...
