Immune complex

Immune complex is a combination of antigens and antibodies that are bound together. This complex is a crucial part of the immune system's response to foreign substances in the body.

Overview

An immune complex is formed when an antibody, produced by the immune system in response to an antigen, binds to that antigen. Antigens are substances that the immune system recognizes as foreign. They can be bacteria, viruses, or other substances that are not normally present in the body.

The formation of an immune complex is a key step in the immune response. Once formed, the immune complex can trigger a variety of immune responses, including inflammation and the destruction of the antigen.

Formation of Immune Complexes

The formation of an immune complex begins when an antigen enters the body. The immune system recognizes the antigen as foreign and produces antibodies to bind to it. The antibodies and antigens bind together to form the immune complex.

The immune complex is then recognized by other cells in the immune system, which can trigger a variety of responses. These responses can include inflammation, which helps to isolate and destroy the antigen, and the activation of other immune cells, which can help to eliminate the antigen from the body.

Role in Disease

While immune complexes are a normal part of the immune response, they can also contribute to disease. In some cases, immune complexes can form inappropriately, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. This can occur in autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

In other cases, immune complexes can form in response to persistent infections, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. This can occur in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Treatment and Management

Treatment for diseases caused by immune complexes typically involves managing the underlying condition. This can include anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation, immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the immune response, and treatments to remove the immune complexes from the body.

See Also

• Antigen
• Antibody
• Autoimmune disease
• Inflammation
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus

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