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Nobel Australians
Glossary
altered self. This term describes an MHC antigen whose shape has been changed by complexing with a viral antigen. (Also self, those molecules and cells that are produced within an individual; and non-self, those molecules and cells that are produced outside an individual.)
antibodies. Proteins produced by specialised white blood cells in response to antigens. An antibody will then react specifically with the antigen that induced its formation and will inactivate or destroy the antigen.
antigen. A compound, usually a protein or peptide, that can be recognised by the immune system thereby triggering an immune response.
ectromelia virus. A natural pathogen of mice. Causes a disease called mouse pox.
immune system. The tissues, cells and molecules that are part of the host defence against infection.
killer (cytotoxic) T-cell. Specialised white blood cells that are important in the vertebrate body's defence against viruses. They are called killer or cytotoxic because they can kill cells and T because they mature in the thymus.
lymphocyte. A type of white blood cell that has a role in the immune response.
lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Causes a viral infection in mice in which the symptoms and disease are largely caused by the immune response.
major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Proteins recognised by T-cells in the immune response. Class I MHC molecules are involved in T-cell interactions and graft or organ transplant rejections.
nucleic acid. The genetic material of organisms is nucleic acid. There are two forms of nucleic acid – DNA and RNA.
protein. A macromolecule built of amino acid subunits held together by peptide bonds.
transplantation antigens. These are human MHC antigens. They are characteristic of an individual and stimulate rejection of tissue transplants. Also called human leucocyte antigens.
virus. A particle composed of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat. Viruses can only reproduce within a living cell.
white blood cell. A colourless blood cell involved in helping protect the body against toxins, and viral and bacterial infections. White blood cells are also called leucocytes.
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