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Definitions M through O
Macrophage: A large immune system cell that
devours invading pathogens and other intruders. Stimulates other immune cells by
presenting them with small pieces of the invaders.
Mean: The arithmetic average, or the sum of all the
values divided by the number of values.
Median: The value or number that divides a
populations into two equal halves.
Memory cells: T cells that have been exposed to
specific antigens and can then proliferate on subsequent immune system encounters with the
same antigens.
Microencapsulated: Surrounded by a thin layer of
protection. A means of protecting a drug or vaccine from rapid breakdown.
MN: An HIV-1 isolate belonging to clade B, the
clade to which most HIV-1 found in North America and Europe belong. MN is used in vaccine
development.
Monoclonal antibody: A custom-made protein specific
for one epitope.
Monocyte: A large white blood cell that ingests
microbes or other cells and foreign particles. When a monocyte enters tissues, it develops
into a macrophage.
Monovalent vaccine: A vaccine that is specific for
only one antigen.
Mucosal immunity: Resistance to infection across
the mucous membranes. Dependent on immune cells and antibodies present in the linings of
urogenital tract, gastrointestinal tract and other parts of the body exposed to the
outside world.
Nef: A gene of SIV and HIV. Vaccines made of
nef-deleted SIV virions have shown promise in animal tests.
Neutralizing antibody: An antibody that keeps a
virus from infecting a cell.
Neutralizing domain: A section of the HIV envelope
protein gp120 that elicits antibodies with neutralizing activity.
Open-label trial: A clinical trial in which doctors
and participants know which drug or vaccine is being administered.
Opportunistic infection: An illness caused by an
organism that usually does not cause disease in a person with a normal immune system.
People with advanced HIV infection suffer opportunistic infections of the lungs, brain,
eyes and other organs.
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