POLYCLONAL Meaning and
Definition
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Polyclonal refers to a type of immune response characterized by the production of multiple types of antibodies that target various antigens. The term is commonly used in the field of immunology to describe the response of B cells in a living organism to the presence of foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses.
In a polyclonal response, different B cells recognize different epitopes on the same antigen, leading to the production of a diverse range of antibodies. This is in contrast to a monoclonal response, where a single B cell recognizes and produces a single type of antibody against a specific antigen.
Polyclonal antibodies are derived from multiple B cell clones, resulting in a mixture of different antibodies with varying specificities. They are often utilized in research and diagnostic applications, as they can target multiple epitopes on an antigen and offer wider coverage compared to monoclonal antibodies. Polyclonal antibody production can occur naturally in vivo when an organism is exposed to an antigen or can be induced in vitro by immunizing an animal with a specific antigen.
In summary, polyclonal refers to an immune response characterized by the production of multiple antibodies that target a variety of epitopes on an antigen. This diversity enables broader specificity and versatility in the immune system's ability to recognize and neutralize foreign substances.
Common Misspellings for POLYCLONAL
Etymology of POLYCLONAL
The word "polyclonal" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "poly" meaning "many" and "klon" meaning "clone".
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