- active immunity
- the immune response generated by the body's own immune system after exposure to an antigen
- adaptive immune system
- specific defense mechanism of the immune system that develops over time and provides a targeted response to pathogens or antigens
- antibodies
- Y-shaped proteins produced by B cells of the immune system, also known as immunoglobulins
- antibody-mediated/humoral immunity
- a type of immune response that primarily involves B cells and their production of antibodies
- antigen-antibody interaction
- the binding of antigens (foreign substances) by specific antibodies produced by the immune system
- biologic drugs
- medications derived from living organisms or produced using biotechnology
- biosimilar drugs
- medications that are highly similar to an already approved biologic drug, known as the reference product
- cell-mediated immunity
- type of immune response that primarily involves T cells in recognizing and responding to specific antigens
- herd immunity
- the process by which a portion of a population becomes immune to a disease through either vaccination or previous infections
- immune system
- a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against infections, diseases, and foreign substances
- immunizations
- the administration of vaccines to stimulate the body's immune system to produce a protective response against specific diseases
- immunosuppressants
- medications that suppress or weaken the immune system's activity
- infection
- when harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, invade the body and multiply, leading to disease
- inflammation
- a natural response of the immune system to tissue injury, infection, or irritation
- inflammatory response
- the coordinated reaction of the immune system to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli, involving a series of cellular and biochemical processes aimed at eliminating the threat and promoting tissue healing
- innate immune system
- the body’s first line of defense against pathogens and foreign substances
- monoclonal antibodies
- laboratory-produced molecules designed to mimic the immune system's natural ability to fight off specific pathogens or target specific cells
- passive immunity
- the temporary protection against a specific pathogen that is conferred to an individual by receiving pre-formed antibodies rather than producing them internally
- titer
- the concentration or potency of a substance, often an antibody, in a solution, indicating its effectiveness or level of activity
- vaccine hesitancy
- the reluctance or refusal to receive vaccines despite their availability and effectiveness
- vaccine-preventable diseases
- infectious diseases that can be effectively prevented by vaccination
- vaccines
- biological preparations containing weakened or killed pathogens or antigens that stimulate the immune system to produce protective immunity against specific diseases
- virulent
- the degree of severity or harmfulness exhibited by a pathogen, indicating its ability to cause severe disease or illness