Tag: T cells
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The molecular mayhem of immunogens, haptens, carriers and adjuvants
First up, the immunogen: the molecular maestro of the immune system, orchestrating a symphony of B-cells and T-cells like a conductor with a grudge. These substances don’t just knock politely on the immune system’s door—they kick it down with the force of a battering ram. Immunogens are a subset of antigens (because “antibody-generating” wasn’t obvious enough)…
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Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)
Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is an infusion of horse or rabbit-derived antibodies against human T cells and their precursors (thymocytes), which is used in the prevention and treatment of acute rejection in organ transplantation and therapy of aplastic anemia due to bone marrow insufficiency. Uses Two antithymocyte globulin (ATG) agents licensed for clinical use in the United States are Thymoglobulin (rabbit ATG, rATG, Genzyme) and…
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Anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG)
Anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG) is an infusion of animal- antibodies against human T cells which is used in the treatment of acute rejection in organ transplantation. Its use was first reported by Thomas Starzl in 1966.[1] Its use in transplant was supplanted by thymoglobulin between 1984 and 1999.[2] It has also been used in the treatment of aplastic anemia.[3][4][5] It is less commonly used than the similar anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), and like ATG it is…
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Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone for the maternal recognition of pregnancy produced by trophoblast cells that are surrounding a growing embryo (syncytiotrophoblast initially), which eventually forms the placenta after implantation. Cole LA (2009). “New discoveries on the biology and detection of human chorionic gonadotropin”. Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 7: 8. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-7-8. PMC 2649930. PMID 19171054. Gregory JJ, Finlay JL (April 1999). “Alpha-fetoprotein and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin: their clinical significance as…
