Immunogenicity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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immunogenicity
[ษชหmjunษหdสษnษชsษชti ]
Definition
biological response
Immunogenicity refers to the ability of a substance, such as an antigen or vaccine, to provoke an immune response in the body. It is a crucial factor in the development of vaccines and therapeutics, as a high level of immunogenicity is often desired to ensure effective protection against diseases. Factors influencing immunogenicity include the nature of the antigen, the dose administered, and the route of administration.
Synonyms
antigenicity, immune response capability, reactogenicity.
Examples of usage
- The immunogenicity of the new vaccine was tested in several clinical trials.
- Hereditary factors can influence individual immunogenicity.
- The immunogenicity of proteins can vary based on their molecular structure.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Immunogenicity is crucial in developing vaccines, as a successful vaccine must elicit a strong immune response.
- Factors influencing immunogenicity include the structure of the antigen, the presence of adjuvants, and the method of delivery.
- Some diseases can have varying levels of immunogenicity, which impacts how effectively they can be fought off by the immune system.
Healthcare
- Understanding immunogenicity is vital in personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored based on an individual's immune response.
- Researchers are studying immunogenicity to improve therapeutic proteins, making them more effective and minimizing adverse reactions.
History
- The concept of immunogenicity gained significant attention in the 20th century during the development of the first safe vaccines.
- Pioneering work in the field was done by scientists like Louis Pasteur, who laid the groundwork for understanding immune responses.
Pop Culture
- Immunogenicity is sometimes mentioned in popular media, particularly in documentaries about vaccines and infectious diseases.
- It often arises in discussions of public health and safety, especially during outbreaks where vaccination plays a key role.
Origin of 'immunogenicity'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'immunogenicity' comes from the combination of 'immuno-' relating to the immune system and '-genic' meaning producing or causing.
- It reflects the scientific understanding that certain substances can trigger an immune response in the body.
The term 'immunogenicity' is derived from the combination of 'immunogenic,' which describes the capacity to stimulate an immune response, and the suffix '-ity,' which denotes a quality or condition. The origins of the word can be traced back to the early 20th century when advances in immunology began to elucidate the mechanisms behind immune responses to pathogens. As research in vaccine development advanced, it became essential to quantify and describe the ability of various antigens to induce immunity. This led to the formalization of 'immunogenicity' as a concept within the scientific community, specifically in the fields of immunology and vaccine research. The understanding of immunogenicity has significantly progressed with the advent of biotechnology, allowing for the design of more effective vaccines and therapeutics.