Immunocompetence
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220406031
2008-06-19T18:30:12Z
Oxymoron83
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Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/65.29.98.245|65.29.98.245]] ([[User talk:65.29.98.245|talk]]) to last version by Pikipiki
'''Immunocompetence''' is the ability of the body to produce a normal [[immune response]] (i.e., [[antibody]] production and/or cell-mediated immunity) following exposure to an [[antigen]], which might be an actual virus itself or an immunization shot. Immunocompetence is the opposite of [[immunodeficiency]] or immuno-incompetent or immuno-compromised. Several examples would be a newborn that does not yet have a fully functioning immune system but may have maternally transmitted antibody - immunodeficient; A late stage aids patient with a failed or failing immune system - immuno-incompetent; or a transplant reciepient taking medication so their body will not reject the donated organ - immunocompomised. There may be cases of overlap but these terms are all indicators of non fully functioning immune system.
In reference to [[lymphocytes]], immunocompetence means that a [[B cell]] or [[T cell]] is mature and can recognize [[antigens]] and allow a person to mount an immune response.
==See also==
*[[cell-mediated immunity]]
*[[humoral immunity]]
[[Category:Immunology]]
[[Category:Immune system]]
{{immunology-stub}}
[[id:Imunokompeten]]