Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Immunology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Immunology 1. Antigen vs. Antibody One of the most fundamental distinctions in immunology is between antigens and antibodies. An antigen is a substance that triggers an immune response, while an antibody is a protein produced by the immune system in response to an antigen. Think of antigens as the 'invaders' and antibodies as the 'defenders' in the immune system's battle. 2. Innate vs. Adaptive Immunity When it comes to the immune system's defense mechanisms, 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 more tailored response, developed over time, and specific to particular antigens. It's like the difference between a general alarm system (innate) and a highly targeted security detail (adaptive). 3. T Cells vs. B Cells T cells and B cells are both crucial components of the immune system, but they have distinct roles. T cells, which mature in the thymus, are responsible for cell-mediated immunity, directly attacking infected cells. B cells, on the other hand, mature in the bone marrow and produce antibodies, playing a key role in humoral immunity. Together, they form a formidable defense team. 4. Active vs. Passive Immunity