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active immunity
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the immune response generated by the body's own immune system after exposure to an antigen
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adaptive immune system
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specific defense mechanism of the immune system that develops over time and provides a targeted response to pathogens or antigens
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antibodies
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Y-shaped proteins produced by B cells of the immune system, also known as immunoglobulins
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antibody-mediated/humoral immunity
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a type of immune response that primarily involves B cells and their production of antibodies
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antigen-antibody interaction
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the binding of antigens (foreign substances) by specific antibodies produced by the immune system
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biologic drugs
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medications derived from living organisms or produced using biotechnology
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biosimilar drugs
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medications that are highly similar to an already approved biologic drug, known as the reference product
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cell-mediated immunity
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type of immune response that primarily involves T cells in recognizing and responding to specific antigens
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herd immunity
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the process by which a portion of a population becomes immune to a disease through either vaccination or previous infections
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immune system
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a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against infections, diseases, and foreign substances
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immunizations
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the administration of vaccines to stimulate the body's immune system to produce a protective response against specific diseases
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immunosuppressants
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medications that suppress or weaken the immune system's activity
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infection
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when harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, invade the body and multiply, leading to disease
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inflammation
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a natural response of the immune system to tissue injury, infection, or irritation
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inflammatory response
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the coordinated reaction of the immune system to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli, involving a series of cellular and biochemical processes aimed at eliminating the threat and promoting tissue healing
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innate immune system
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the body’s first line of defense against pathogens and foreign substances
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monoclonal antibodies
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laboratory-produced molecules designed to mimic the immune system's natural ability to fight off specific pathogens or target specific cells
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passive immunity
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the temporary protection against a specific pathogen that is conferred to an individual by receiving pre-formed antibodies rather than producing them internally
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titer
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the concentration or potency of a substance, often an antibody, in a solution, indicating its effectiveness or level of activity
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vaccine hesitancy
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the reluctance or refusal to receive vaccines despite their availability and effectiveness
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vaccine-preventable diseases
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infectious diseases that can be effectively prevented by vaccination
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vaccines
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biological preparations containing weakened or killed pathogens or antigens that stimulate the immune system to produce protective immunity against specific diseases
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virulent
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the degree of severity or harmfulness exhibited by a pathogen, indicating its ability to cause severe disease or illness