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Immunohistochemistry
(IH-myoo-noh-HIS-toh-KEH-mih-stree)
A lab test that uses antibodies to test for certain antigens (markers) in a sample of tissue. The antibodies are usually linked to an enzyme or a fluorescent dye. When the antibodies bind to the antigen in the tissue sample, the enzyme or dye is activated, and the antigen can then be seen under a microscope. Immunohistochemistry is used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used to help tell the difference between different types of cancer.
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Immunophenotyping
(IH-myoo-noh-FEE-noh-ty-ping)
A process that uses antibodies to identify cells based on the types of antigens or markers on the surface of the cells. This process is used in basic research and to help diagnose diseases, such as specific types of leukemia and lymphoma. Immunophenotyping may also be used to separate cells into different groups based on the markers they have on the surface.
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Immunostimulant
(IH-myoo-noh-STIM-yoo-lunt)
A substance that increases the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease.
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Immunosuppression
IH-myoo-noh-suh-PREH-shun
Suppression of the body's immune system and its ability to fight infections and other diseases. Immunosuppression may be deliberately induced with drugs, as in preparation for bone marrow or other organ transplantation, to prevent rejection of the donor tissue. It may also result from certain diseases such as AIDS or lymphoma or from anticancer drugs.
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Immunosuppressive
(IH-myoo-noh-suh-PREH-siv)
Describes the ability to decrease the body's immune system responses.
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Immunosuppressive agent
(IH-myoo-noh-suh-PREH-siv AY-jent)
An agent that decreases the body’s immune responses. It reduces the body’s ability to fight infections and other diseases, such as cancer. Immunosuppressive agents may be used to keep a person from rejecting a bone marrow or organ transplant. They are also used in the treatment of conditions marked by overactive immune responses, such as autoimmune diseases and allergies.
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Immunosuppressive therapy
(IH-myoo-noh-suh-PREH-siv THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment that lowers the activity of the body’s immune system. This reduces its ability to fight infections and other diseases, such as cancer. Immunosuppressive therapy may be used to keep a person from rejecting a bone marrow or organ transplant. It may also be used to treat conditions in which the immune system is overactive, such as autoimmune diseases and allergies. Some types of immunosuppressive therapy may increase a person’s risk of cancer by lowering the body’s ability to kill cancer cells.
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Immunotherapy
IH-myoo-noh-THAYR-uh-pee
A type of therapy that uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection, and other diseases. Some types of immunotherapy only target certain cells of the immune system. Others affect the immune system in a general way. Types of immunotherapy include cytokines, vaccines, bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), and some monoclonal antibodies.
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Immunotoxins
(IH-myoo-noh-TOK-sins)
An immune substance, such as a monoclonal antibody, cytokine, or immunoglobulin, chemically linked to a toxic substance. The immune substance binds to specific proteins or receptors found on some cancer cells. This allows the linked toxic substance to enter the cancer cells and kill them without harming nearby healthy cells.
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Impairment
A loss of part or all of a physical or mental ability, such as the ability to see, walk, or learn.
