Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Tumor-specific antigen

    An antigen produced by certain tumors. It appears on the tumor cells but not on normal cells derived from the same tissue.  

  • Transplantation antigen

    The commonly used term for any of the histocompatibility antigens that cause the immune system of one individual to reject transplanted tissue.  

  • Thymus independent antigen

    Any of the foreign antigens capable of stimulating B cell activation and the production of antibodies without T cell interaction. Most of these antibodies fall into the IgM class. A few memory cells are created.  

  • Thymus dependent antigen

    Any of the foreign antigens that require B lymphocyte stimulation by T cells before production of antibodies and memory cells can occur.  

  • Soluble antigen

    An antigen dissolved in a liquid. A soluble antigen is recognized by B lymphocytes but cannot be detected by T lymphocytes until it has been processed by an antigen-presenting cell.  

  • Protective antigen

    The protein made by Bacillus anthracis, which binds to cell membranes and allows the lethal components of anthrax toxin to enter and kill cells.  

  • Oncofetal antigen

    An antigen that is normally expressed in the fetus and may reappear in the adult in association with certain tumors. Examples include alpha-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigens.  

  • Nuclear antigen

    An antigen present in the cells of patients with certain types of connective tissue disorders. Corticosteroids can be very helpful in treating patients with high concentrations of nuclear antigen.  

  • Mumps skin test antigen

    A standardized suspension of sterile formaldehyde-inactivated mumps virus. It is used in diagnosing mumps.  

  • Lymphogranuloma venereum antigen

    An antigen used in a skin test for lymphogranuloma venereum.