CROSS REACTION Meaning and
Definition
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Cross reaction refers to the phenomenon where the immune system reacts in response to an antigen that is structurally similar to an original antigen for which the immune system has already produced antibodies. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly recognizes and responds to the similar antigen as if it were the initial antigen, resulting in a cross reaction.
In this process, antibodies that were produced to target a particular antigen also bind to the similar antigen due to their structural resemblance, leading to an immune response. Cross reactions can occur between antigens from different sources, such as different pathogens or allergens, or even between antigens from the same source but with structural similarities.
Cross reactions can have different outcomes. They can be beneficial, providing immune protection against similar pathogens or allergens by utilizing the existing antibodies. On the other hand, cross reactions can also contribute to autoimmune diseases, as the antibodies may mistakenly attack the body's own cells or tissues due to structural similarities between the self-antigens and other antigens.
The occurrence of cross reactions is an essential aspect in understanding immune responses and diagnosing diseases. It helps in determining the efficacy of vaccines, identifying potential sources of allergies, and in detecting certain diseases through serological tests. Understanding and identifying cross reactions is crucial for developing appropriate immunological interventions and therapies.
Common Misspellings for CROSS REACTION
- xross reaction
- vross reaction
- fross reaction
- dross reaction
- ceoss reaction
- cdoss reaction
- cfoss reaction
- ctoss reaction
- c5oss reaction
- c4oss reaction
- criss reaction
- crkss reaction
- crlss reaction
- crpss reaction
- cr0ss reaction
- cr9ss reaction
- croas reaction
- crozs reaction
- croxs reaction
- crods reaction
Etymology of CROSS REACTION
The word "cross reaction" is derived from the combination of two individual words, "cross" and "reaction", each with their own respective etymologies:
1. Cross - The term "cross" originates from the Old English noun "cros" or the Old Norse noun "kross". Both of these words ultimately trace back to the Latin "crux", meaning "a stake, cross". The Latin word "crux" itself was likely derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *kreus, which meant "to cross" or "intersection". The word "cross" has been used since several centuries in English to refer to a structure made of two intersecting lines, or to symbolize the Christian cross.
2. Reaction - The word "reaction" originated from the Latin noun "reactio" derived from the verb "re-" (again) and "agere" (to do, act).
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