Immunogenic: meaning, definitions and examples
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immunogenic
[ ˌɪmjuːnəˈdʒɛnɪk ]
biological context
Immunogenic refers to the property of a substance, typically an antigen, to provoke an immune response in the body. This means that the substance can stimulate the production of antibodies or activate immune cells. Immunogenicity is a critical factor in vaccine development and understanding disease processes.
Synonyms
antigenic, immune-inducing, stimulating.
Examples of usage
- The vaccine was designed to be highly immunogenic.
- Certain proteins in the virus are known for their immunogenic properties.
- Researchers are studying the immunogenic nature of the new therapeutic agents.
Etymology
The term 'immunogenic' is derived from the root word 'immune,' which comes from the Latin 'immunis,' meaning exempt, or free from. The suffix '-genic' originates from the Greek 'genes,' meaning born of, or produced by. The combination of these roots emphasizes the capacity of certain substances to generate an immune response. The concept of immunogenicity has evolved significantly since the early days of immunology, particularly in the context of vaccine development and disease treatment. Over the years, scientists have focused on identifying and enhancing the immunogenic properties of various antigens to improve vaccination strategies and therapeutic interventions. This has led to a deeper understanding of how the immune system interacts with pathogens and foreign substances, highlighting the importance of immunogenicity in modern medicine.