Intermediate
Technical
IVT
immune complex
Molecular complexes formed by antibodies bound to antigens that can deposit in tissues and cause inflammatory damage in pediatric autoimmune diseases.
Full Definition
Clusters formed when antibodies bind to their corresponding antigens, which can circulate in blood or deposit in tissues such as kidneys, joints, and blood vessels. In pediatric immunology, immune complexes are central to the pathogenesis of diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, post-infectious glomerulonephritis, and Henoch-Schönlein purpura. When these complexes activate complement and accumulate in tissues, they trigger inflammation and organ damage.
Usage
Usage note: Can be written as one word 'immunocomplex' in some contexts, but 'immune complex' is preferred in pediatric literature.
In Context
- "Renal biopsy revealed immune complex deposition in the glomerular capillaries." — pathology report
- "Elevated circulating immune complexes suggested active systemic lupus erythematosus." — laboratory interpretation
Also known as
antigen-antibody complex
immunocomplex
Contrasted with
free antibody
unbound antigen
Don't confuse with
autoantibody
complement complex