Glossary
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AIDS:Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; an
immunological disorder that leaves the body susceptible to infection and some
rare cancers; caused by the virus, HIV
antibody: a protein created by B-cells that binds to an antigen or prevents
antigens from entering healthy cells
antigen: any substance that induces a response from the body's immune system;
often a fragment of a virus or bacteria or some other substance that the body
views as an invader
B cell: one of the many components of the body's immune system; a key player in
the production of antibodies
body cell: any cell that the body and the immune system view as belonging to
the body
complement: blood proteins that work with antibodies to destroy antigens
helper T cell: a type of white blood cell that initiates an immune response when
presented with an antigen
HIV:Human Immunodeficiency Virus; the virus that causes
AIDS
killer T cell: a type of white blood cell that seeks out and destroys cells that
have already been invaded by a virus or some other substance
macrophage: a type of white blood cell that seeks out and consumes foreign
substances; capable of presenting antigens on its surface to other cells of the immune system
mumps virus: one of many types of antigens that the body views as a foreign
invader