Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

An agent that so acts. A drug used to treat or prevent infections. Any agent, such as an antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral drug, that is used to combat infection.  

A cell that shows antigen on its surface to other cells of the immune system. This is an important part of an immune response. A cell that breaks down antigens and displays their fragments on surface receptors next to major histocompatibility complex molecules. This presentation is necessary for some T lymphocytes that are unable to…

The complex formed by the binding of antigen and antibody molecules. The deposition of large antigen-antibody complexes leading to tissue damage causes immune complex diseases.  

Substances that destroy fungi by suppressing their ability to grow or reproduce. They differ from fungicides, industrial because they defend against fungi present in human or animal tissues.  

Immunoglobulin molecules having a specific amino acid sequence by virtue of which they interact only with the antigen that induced their synthesis in cells of the lymphoid series (especially plasma cells), or with an antigen closely related to it. Proteins made by the immune system to fight foreign molecules. Proteins produced by B cells to…

The spontaneous alignment of two single DNA strands to form a double helix.  

Negatively charged atoms, radicals or groups of atoms which travel to the anode or positive pole during electrolysis. Anion is an ion with a negative charge. The term ion refers to a chemical that has either a positive or negative charge. An ion carrying a negative charge; the opposite of cation. An anion is attracted…

Inflammation of a vessel, chiefly of a blood or a lymph vessel; called also vasculitis. An inflammation of a blood vessel. Inflammation of a vessel such as a blood vessel, lymph vessel, or bile duct. Swelling of a blood or lymph vessel, also known as angeitis or angitis.    

Pertaining to anatomy, or to the structure of the organism.  

The family of peptides C3a, C4a, C5a, and C5a des-arginine produced in the serum during complement activation. They produce smooth muscle contraction, mast cell histamine release, affect platelet aggregation, and act as mediators of the local inflammatory process. The order of anaphylatoxin activity from strongest to weakest is C5a, C3a, C4a, and C5a des-arginine. The…