Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Immunobiology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Immunobiology 1. Antigen vs. Antibody The first pair of words that often causes confusion is 'antigen' and 'antibody.' An antigen is a substance that triggers an immune response, while an antibody is a protein produced by the immune system to neutralize antigens. Remember, antigens are the 'invaders,' and antibodies are the 'defenders.' 2. Innate vs. Adaptive Immunity Next, we have 'innate' and 'adaptive' immunity. Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense, providing immediate, non-specific protection. On the other hand, adaptive immunity is a tailored response, developed over time, that specifically targets an invader. Think of innate immunity as the 'general' and adaptive immunity as the 'special forces.' 3. T Cells vs. B Cells Moving on, 'T cells' and 'B cells' are types of white blood cells. T cells play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity, directly attacking infected cells, while B cells produce antibodies. T cells are the 'soldiers,' and B cells are the 'factories.' 4. Active vs. Passive Immunity Now, let's clarify 'active' and 'passive' immunity. Active immunity is acquired through exposure to an antigen, either through infection or vaccination, and it provides long-term protection.