Kissing the Epstein-Barr virus goodbye?
Glossary
antibody. A protein produced by the body’s immune system in response to a foreign substance (antigen). An antibody reacts specifically with the antigen that induced its formation and inactivates the antigen. Our bodies fight off an infection by producing antibodies.
antigen. Any foreign substance, usually a protein, that stimulates a specific immune response.
attenuated vaccines. Vaccines are designed to stimulate antibody production without causing serious disease. To make an attenuated vaccine, a disease-causing microorganism is first isolated and then attenuated (made less virulent) by ageing it or altering its growth conditions (such as by depriving it of an essential nutrient). The vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella are prepared in this way. Because this vaccine is actually a living microbe, it multiplies within your body and therefore causes a strong stimulation of the immune system.
immunity. A body's reaction to the introduction of foreign substances, through the production of defensive substances such as antibodies.
nucleic acid. A large molecule made up of a sequence of phosphorylated nitrogen-containing bases. DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids.
peptide. A molecule consisting of a short chain of amino acids. Longer chains of amino acids are called proteins.
plasmid. A small, circular DNA molecule. Bacteria can have plasmids in addition to the DNA of the main chromosome. Foreign DNA can be added to plasmids. The modified plasmid then transports the DNA into a new cell.
toxins. Substances, produced by microorganisms, which affect the functioning of another organism.
Posted November 1997.