PSA is the abbreviation for prostate specific antigen. PSA is a protein and is produced primarily by the epithelial cells of the prostate glands and released into the seminal fluid. In the blood, PSA occurs in healthy men only in very small amounts. The PSA test is advisable from the age of 50 – unless … What is a PSA Value?
Arcitumomab is a drug used for diagnosis in cancer medicine. Approximately 95 percent of all colorectal cancers can be diagnosed by intravenous administration of arcitumomab in an imaging procedure. This approach is necessary in part because colorectal cancer is usually very difficult to diagnose in any other way. This is because this type of cancer … Arcitumomab: Effects, Uses & Risks
Dendritic cells are antigen-representing immune cells capable of T-cell activation. Thus, they trigger a specific immune response. Because of their sentinel position in the immune system, they have historically been implicated as therapeutic agents for diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. What is the dendritic cell? Dendritic cells are part of the immune system. … Dendritic Cell: Structure, Function & Diseases
Calcineurin (CaN) is a protein phosphatase that plays an important role in the activation of immune system T cells, but is also active in other calcium-mediated signaling pathways throughout the body. By dephosphorylating the NF-AT protein, this enzyme initiates a series of gene transcripts that are primarily responsible for the characteristic work of T lymphocytes. … Calcineurin: Function & Diseases
What are superantigens? A superantigen belongs to the group of antigens. These antigens are structures of carbohydrates, fats, proteins or combinations thereof that can be produced by bacteria or viruses. The antigens enable the human body’s immune system to initiate an immune response by binding to an antibody. Unlike normal antigens, superantigens are not dependent … Superantigens
How does a superantigen activate the immune system? A superantigen can activate the T-lymphocytes after binding to the T-cell receptor. In addition, superantigens can activate immune cells after binding of two different cells. Each domain of the superantigen has a task. Like most globular proteins, superantigens have binding domains that help bind a structure on … How does a superantigen activate the immune system? | Superantigens
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a very acute syndrome caused by the Toxic shock Syndrome Toxin (TSST-1). About 1% of the bacteria of the strain Staphylococcus aureus is able to produce this TSST-1. It often occurs in young women who use tampons too long during their menstruation. Like the other superantigens, … Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) | Superantigens
Peptides are molecules whose amino acids are linked by peptide bonds. They perform numerous functions and, in addition to hormonal effects, can have pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory effects, for example. Because of their numerous tasks, peptides are now used as active ingredients in medicines. What is a peptide? Proteins are macromolecules made of amino acids. In … Peptide: Function & Diseases
Monocytes are cells of the human blood. They belong to the white blood cells (leukocytes]) and play a role in immune defense. What are monocytes? Monocytes are part of the human blood. They belong to the leukocyte cell group and thus play a role in defense. Like many other leukocytes, monocytes can leave the blood … Monocytes: Structure, Function & Diseases
NK cells are part of the innate immune system and belong to the leukocyte group, the white blood cells. Their main function is to recognize infected and degenerate endogenous cells and to attack the cells directly by cytotoxic agents that partially dissolve the membrane of the target cell and initiate its programmed cell death. NK … NK Cell: Structure, Function & Diseases
Detection of tissue structures, antibodies, and pathogens by immunolabeling is popular, modern, and accurate. Immunofluorescence refers to immunolabeling with prepared fluorescent antibodies that are made to glow under UV light. In direct immunofluorescence detection, the test substrate is examined directly with luminescent antibodies, without upstream primary antibodies or artificial antigens. What is immunofluorescence direct detection? … Immunofluorescence Direct Detection: Treatment, Effects & Risks
Immunogenetics deals with the genetic basis of the immune response. Within its scope, diseases are studied that both affect the immune system and are genetically predisposed. Genetic analyses form the basis of immunogenetic studies. What is immunogenetics? Immunogenetics is a subdiscipline of genetics. It is derived from the merging of the medical fields of genetics … Immunogenetics: Treatment, Effects & Risks