| heterophil | Heterophile 1. The neutrophilic leukocyte in man; in some animals the granules vary in size and staining reaction. 2. Pertaining to heterogenetic antigens occurring in different species or to antibodies directed against such antigens. Origin: hetero-+ G. Philos, fond (05 Mar 2000) |
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| heterophil antibody | A heterogenetic antibody specific for the Forssman group of heterogenetic antigens. Synonym: heterophil antibody, heterophile antibody. (05 Mar 2000) |
| heterophil antigen | An antigen which is possessed by a variety of different phylogenetically unrelated species; e.g., the various organ-or tissue-specific antigen's, the alpha-and beta-crystalline protein of the lens of the eye, and Forssman antigen. Synonym: heterophil antigen. (05 Mar 2000) |
| heterophil haemolysin | A sensitizing antibody that can combine with red blood cells of various species (in addition to those used as the antigen in stimulating the formation of the haemolysin), resulting in haemolysis when the proper amount of complement is present. (05 Mar 2000) |
| heterophile antibody | <immunology> An antibody raised against an antigen from one species that also reacts against antigens from other species. Also used of Forssman type systems where antibody against antigens from a variety of species is present without immunisation. (18 Nov 1997) |
| heterophile antigen | An antigen or antigenic determinant which is found in different tissues in more than one species. (05 Mar 2000) |