An organism which causes diseases.
Molecule produced by cytotoxic T-cells and NK cells which, like complement component C9, polymerizes to form a pore in the membrane of the target cell leading to cell death.
Associated with the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Cells, including monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils, which are specialized for the engulfment of cellular and particulate matter.
The process by which cells engulf material and close it within a vacuole (phagosome) in the cytoplasm.
Vacuole in the cytoplasm of a phagocyte.
Tiny bits of protoplasm found in vertebrate blood; essential for blood clotting.
The potential of a cell to develop into more than one type of mature cell, depending on environment.
Small, actively motile white blood cells containing many lysosomes and specializing in phagocytosis.
A chain of peptides, or amino acids, usually less than 100 amino acids long. A polypeptide is formed during the process of translation. One or more polypeptides are required to make a protein.
The relatively weak immune response which occurs upon the first encounter of naïve lymphocytes with a given antigen.
An enzyme that cleaves peptide bonds that link amino acids in protein molecules.
Acidic lipids derived from arachidonic acid which are able to increase vascular permeability, mediate fever, and can both stimulate and inhibit immunological responses.
A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.
The protrusion of an amoeboid cell formed by the extrusion or streaming of the cytoplasm (but still enclosed in the membrane) for the purpose of movement or feeding.
Any substance that can cause a rise in body temperature