| Antibody Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy | <pharmacology> A method for targeting a drug to a specific tissue, in which the targeting agent and the drug are administered separately. The drug is designed to be inactive (a prodrug) until it is converted by an enzyme, which is the targeting agent. The enzyme is coupled to an antibody that directs it to the tissue of interest. When the enzyme arrives at the tissue, the prodrug is activated only at that site, sparing other tissues from potentially toxic side effects. Acronym: ADEPT (14 Nov 1997) |
|---|---|
| antibody diversity | The phenomenon of immense variability characteristic of antibodies, which enables the immune system to react specifically against the essentially unlimited kinds of antigens it encounters. Antibody diversity is accounted for by three main theories: 1) the germ line theory, which holds that each antibody-producing cell has genes coding for all possible antibody specificities, but expresses only the one stimulated by antigen; 2) the somatic mutation theory, which holds that antibody-producing cells contain only a few genes, which produce antibody diversity by mutation; and 3) the gene rearrangement theory, which holds that antibody diversity is generated by the rearrangement of variable region gene segments during the differentiation of the antibody-producing cells. (12 Dec 1998) |
| antibody excess | In a precipitation test, the presence of antibody in an amount greater than that required to combine with all of the antigen present. (05 Mar 2000) |
| antibody-forming cell | <immunology> B-cells (plasma cells) that are dedicated to producing secreted antibodies. (09 Feb 1998) |
| antibody induced lysis | <haematology> The term is imprecise and should not be used since there is confusion as to which mechanism is involved, i.e. Natural killing or complement lysis. See: complement lysis, natural killer cells. (09 Feb 1998) |
| antibody producing cell | <immunology> A lymphocyte of the B series synthesising and releasing immunoglobulin. Equivalent to plasmacyte and plasma cell. (18 Nov 1997) |
| antibody-producing cells | Cells of the lymphoid series that can react with antigen to produce specific cell products called antibodies. Various cell subpopulations, often B-lymphocytes, can be defined, based on the different classes of immunoglobulins that they synthesise. (12 Dec 1998) |
| antibody specificity | The property of antibodies which enables them to react with some antigenic determinants and not with others. Specificity is dependent on chemical composition, physical forces, and molecular structure at the binding site. (12 Dec 1998) |
| antibody technology | <molecular biology> Techniques for the synthesis of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies for use in research, diagnostics and therapeutics. (09 Feb 1998) |
| antigen-antibody complex | 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. If the antigen is polyvalent the complex may be insoluble. Immune complexes activate complement through the classical pathway. See: glomerulonephritis, Arthus reaction, type III hypersensitivity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| antigen-antibody reaction | The phenomenon, occurring in vitro or in vivo, of antibody combining with antigen of the type that stimulated the formation of the antibody, thereby resulting in agglutination, precipitation, complement fixation, greater susceptibility to ingestion and destruction by phagocytes, or neutralization of exotoxin. See: skin test. (05 Mar 2000) |
| antinuclear antibody | <immunology> Antinuclear antibody is an antibody that react against components of the cell nucleus such as DNA, RNA, histone or non-histone proteins. These antibodies are present in a variety of immunologic or autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis and in persons taking hydralazine, procainamide or isoniazid. A serologic measurement for antinuclear antibodies can aid in the diagnosis of unexplained arthritis, rashes or chest pains. Acronym: ANA (12 Jan 1998) |
| antiparietal cell antibody | <immunology> A serologic blood test which measures the presence of antibodies to gastric parietal cells. Less than 2% of the general population will be antibody positive although this can be higher in the elderly. Approximately 90% of individuals with pernicious anaemia will be antibody positive. A positive result may also be seen in atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcer, thyroid disease, iron deficiency anaemia and diabetes. (13 Jan 1998) |
| antiphospholipid antibody | <immunology, syndrome> An uncommon disorder that is characterised by hypercoagulability due to the presence of antibodies against phospholipids. These patients exhibit a tendency for recurrent and life-threatening thrombosis and embolic events (for example stroke). Individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome also have an increased tendency toward deep venous thrombosis, myocardial infarction and spontaneous abortions in females. Antiphospholipid syndrome may be seen by itself or in association with other autoimmune illnesses (for example lupus) or with some infections. Treatment includes long-term heparin and warfarin. (13 Jan 1998) |
| antiphospholipid antibody syndrome | <syndrome> An immune disorder characterised by the presence of abnormal antibodies in the blood associated with certain medical conditions including abnormal blood clotting, migraine headaches, premature miscarriage, and low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). (12 Dec 1998) |