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antigenic variation

 

Definitions from the Web

Antigenic Variation

Definition:

The term "antigenic variation" refers to the ability of certain microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, to alter their surface antigens to evade the immune response of the host organism.

Usage:

1. Noun - Scientific

Antigenic variation is a common survival strategy employed by numerous pathogens.

Example sentence: The pathogen's ability to undergo rapid antigenic variation makes it challenging to develop effective vaccines against it.

2. Noun - Immunology

In immunology, antigenic variation is the process by which a pathogen changes its antigens in order to avoid recognition and destruction by the immune system.

Example sentence: The virus employs antigenic variation to continuously evade detection by the host's immune cells.

3. Noun - Microbiology

Antigenic variation plays a crucial role in the survival and persistence of certain bacteria within the host's body.

Example sentence: The bacteria's antigenic variation allows it to establish chronic infections and resist clearance by the immune system.

4. Adjective - Medical

The antigenic variation of the influenza virus poses a significant challenge in developing an effective yearly vaccine.

Example sentence: Due to the antigenic variation of the virus, previous immunity may not provide protection against new strains.

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