cross-reactivity
Antibody recognition overlap
Cross-reactivity occurs when an immune response triggered by one substance also responds to a different but structurally similar substance.
Antibodies or immune cells that recognize one allergen, pathogen, or antigen may bind to another: People allergic to latex often show cross-reactivity with bananas and avocados.
The term appears in immunology, allergy testing, and vaccine research, where cross-reactivity can be beneficial (providing broader protection) or problematic (causing false positives in diagnostic tests).
Antibody binding region
- antibodyProtein targeting foreign substances
- antigenImmune response inducer
- immunoglobulinDefensive blood protein
- homologyStructural similarity through descent
Immune response trigger
- histamineAllergy-response compound
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- pollenFloral reproductive grains
- danderMicroscopic shed skin
mold · hives · urticaria · wheezing · asthma · rhinitis · eczema · antihistamines
Exactness of detail
- sensitivityResponsiveness to stimuli
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- titerSolution strength measurement
- serologyStudy of blood antibodies
diagnostic · screening · validation · calibration · multiplex
Bacteria-killing medication
- penicillinFungus-derived infection fighter
- cephalosporinBeta-lactam antibiotic family
- NSAIDNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- aspirinAcetylsalicylic acid tablet
epitope
Antibody binding region
- antibodyProtein targeting foreign substances
- antigenImmune response inducer
- immunoglobulinDefensive blood protein
homology · conformational · affinity · avidity · determinant
allergen
Immune response trigger
- histamineAllergy-response compound
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- pollenFloral reproductive grains
dander · mold · hives · urticaria · wheezing · asthma · rhinitis · eczema · antihistamines · epinephrine
specificity
Exactness of detail
- sensitivityResponsiveness to stimuli
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- titerSolution strength measurement
serology · diagnostic · screening · validation · calibration · multiplex
antibiotic
Bacteria-killing medication
- penicillinFungus-derived infection fighter
- cephalosporinBeta-lactam antibiotic family
- NSAIDNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug