ANTIGENE RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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The term "antigene receptor" refers to a specific type of receptor found on the surface of immune cells that is responsible for recognizing and binding to antigens. Antigens are foreign substances that can provoke an immune response in the body, such as proteins from bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. The antigene receptor plays a crucial role in the recognition and response to these foreign substances.
Antigene receptors are predominantly found on lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is integral to the adaptive immune system. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells, both of which possess antigene receptors. B cell receptors (BCRs) are membrane-bound proteins, while T cell receptors (TCRs) are transmembrane proteins. These receptors serve as the primary mechanism through which lymphocytes recognize specific antigens.
The structure of antigene receptors enables them to bind tightly to specific antigens, much like a lock and key mechanism. Upon antigen recognition, the receptor initiates a signaling cascade within the immune cell, leading to the activation of various immune responses. This can include the production of antibodies by B cells or the activation of cytotoxic T cells, which directly destroy infected or abnormal cells.
Overall, antigene receptors are crucial for the immune system's ability to identify and respond effectively to foreign invaders, facilitating an immune response tailored to the specific antigen encountered.
Common Misspellings for ANTIGENE RECEPTOR
- amtigen receptor
- amntigen receptor
- ahntigen receptor
- an6tigen receptor
- an5tigen receptor
- aantigen receptor
- Andigen Receptor
- a ntigen receptor
- an tigen receptor
- zntigene receptor
- sntigene receptor
- wntigene receptor
- qntigene receptor
- abtigene receptor
- amtigene receptor
- ajtigene receptor
- ahtigene receptor
- anrigene receptor
- anfigene receptor
- angigene receptor
Etymology of ANTIGENE RECEPTOR
The word "antigen receptor" is derived from the combination of two key components: "antigen" and "receptor".
1. Antigen: The term "antigen" is derived from the combination of the Greek words "anti", meaning "against", and "gen", meaning "to produce". This term was coined by Paul Ehrlich, a German scientist, in the late 19th century, to describe substances that can elicit an immune response in an organism.
2. Receptor: The word "receptor" originates from the Latin word "receptus", which means "received" or "to receive". The term refers to a structure or molecule in a cell or organism that receives and binds to a specific molecule, such as a hormone or neurotransmitter, to generate a biological response.
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