immunocompetence
Body's defense ability
Immunocompetence is the ability of the body's immune system to mount an effective response against pathogens, foreign substances, or abnormal cells.
A person or animal with full immunocompetence can produce antibodies and activate immune cells normally when challenged by infection or disease.
The term appears frequently in medical contexts discussing transplant recipients, cancer patients, or those with HIV, where immunocompetence may be compromised.
The study measured immunocompetence by tracking antibody production after vaccination.
Adaptive immunity cells
- T-cellsThymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
- macrophagesLarge pathogen-engulfing immune cells
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
immunoglobulins · leukocytes · phagocytes · cytokines · interferons · thymus · spleen · bone marrow
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- fungiSpore-reproducing decomposers
parasites · microbes · disease resistance · contagion · susceptibility · antimicrobial
Capacity to recover quickly
- robustnessResistance to failure
- hardinessAbility to endure adversity
- vitalityCapacity for spirited existence
- wellnessOverall state of health
homeostasis · nutrition · recovery · restoration · stress response · aging · senescence · gut health
Immune system targets self
- vaccinationAdministered immunity booster
- allergiesAdverse immune responses
- transplant rejectionImmune attack on implanted tissue
- HIVAIDS-causing retrovirus
AIDS · blood count · serology · graft-versus-host · immunocompromised · hypersensitivity
lymphocytes
Adaptive immunity cells
- T-cellsThymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
- macrophagesLarge pathogen-engulfing immune cells
antibodies · immunoglobulins · leukocytes · phagocytes · cytokines · interferons · thymus · spleen · bone marrow · antigens
infection
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
fungi · parasites · microbes · disease resistance · contagion · susceptibility · antimicrobial
resilience
Capacity to recover quickly
- robustnessResistance to failure
- hardinessAbility to endure adversity
- vitalityCapacity for spirited existence
wellness · homeostasis · nutrition · recovery · restoration · stress response · aging · senescence · gut health · microbiome
autoimmunity
Immune system targets self
- vaccinationAdministered immunity booster
- allergiesAdverse immune responses
- transplant rejectionImmune attack on implanted tissue
HIV · AIDS · blood count · serology · graft-versus-host · immunocompromised · hypersensitivity
immunocompetenceimmunodeficiency
Weakened disease-fighting capacity
immunocompromise · immune deficiency · immunosuppression · AIDS · anergy