BIOTECHNOLOGY GLOSSARY

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A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T V W X Y

Immune response

The response of the immune system to challenge by a foreign antigen.

Immune serum

Blood serum containing antibodies.

Immune system

The combination of cells, biological substances (such as antibodies) and cellular activities that work together to provide resistance to disease.

Immunity

Nonsusceptibility to a disease or to the toxic effects of antigenic material. See also Active immunity; Cell-mediated immunity; Natural active immunity; Natural passive immunity; Passive immunity.

Immunoassay

Technique for identifying substances based on the use of antibodies.

Immunodiagnostic

The use of specific antibodies to measure a substance. This tool is useful in diagnosing infectious diseases and the presence of foreign substances in a variety of human and animal fluids (blood, urine, etc.). The approach is currently being investigated as a way of locating tumor cells in the body.

Immunofluorescence

Technique for identifying antigenic material that uses an antibody labeled with fluorescent material. Specific binding of the antibody and antigen can be seen under a microscope by applying ultraviolet light rays and noting the visible light that is produced.

Immunogen

Any substance that can elicit an immune response.

Immunoglobulin

General name for proteins that function as antibodies. These proteins differ somewhat in structure and are grouped into five categories on the basis of these differences; immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, IgA, IgE and IgD.

Immunology

Study of all phenomena related to the body's response to antigenic challenge (i.e., immunity, sensitivity and allergy).

Immunomodulators

A diverse class of proteins that boost the immune system. Many are cell growth factors that accelerate the production of specific cells that are important in mounting an immune response in the body. These proteins are being investigated for use in possible treatments for cancer.

Immunotoxins

Specific monoclonal antibodies that have a protein toxin molecule attached. The monoclonal antibody is targeted against a tumor cell, and the toxin is designed to kill that cell when the antibody binds to it.

Inducer

A molecule or substance that increases the rate of enzyme synthesis, usually by blocking the action of the corresponding repressor.

In situ

In its original or natural place or position.

Interferon

A class of lymphokine proteins important in the immune response. There are three major types of interferon: alpha (leukocyte), beta (fibroblast) and gamma (immune). Interferons inhibit viral infections and may have anticancer properties.

Interleukin

A type of lymphokine that regulates the growth and development of white blood cells. Twelve interleukins (IL-1 through IL-12) have been identified to date.

Intron

In eukaryotic cells, a sequence of DNA that is contained in the gene but does not encode for protein. The presence of introns "splits" the coding region of the gene into segments called exons. See also Exon; Splicing.

Investigational New Drug Application (IND)

An application to begin studies of a new drug or biologic on humans. The IND gives the plan for the study and contains formulation, manufacturing and animal test result information.

In vitro

Literally, "in glass." Performed in a test tube or other laboratory apparatus.

In vivo

In a living organism.

Islet cells

Pancreatic cells that are the source of insulin and two other hormones involved in regulating glucose metabolism and absorption.

Isoenzyme

One of the several forms that a given enzyme can take. The forms may differ in certain physical properties, but function similarly as biocatalysts.

Isogenic

Of the same genotype.

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