Pediatric Immunology Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
opsonization
The process of coating pathogens with antibodies or complement proteins to enhance phagocytosis by immune cells.
KRECs
Kappa-deleting recombination excision circles, DNA biomarkers used to assess B-cell development and function.
LAD
Primary immunodeficiency affecting neutrophil adhesion and migration to sites of infection, causing recurrent bacterial...
Leaky SCID
A phenotypic variant of severe combined immunodeficiency in which hypomorphic mutations permit partial lymphocyte develo...
live attenuated vaccine
A vaccine containing weakened live pathogens, contraindicated in most immunocompromised children due to risk of causing...
lymphocyte subset analysis
Laboratory evaluation of different lymphocyte populations using cell surface markers to assess immune system function.
lymphoid interstitial pneumonia
A chronic lung condition characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of lung tissue, often associated with immunodeficienc...
lymphopenia
Abnormally low number of lymphocytes in the blood, often indicating immune system dysfunction.
Mannose-Binding Lectin Deficiency
An innate immune defect in which low serum levels of mannose-binding lectin impair complement activation via the lectin...
maternal antibody decay
The gradual decline of protective antibodies transferred from mother to infant through placenta and breast milk, typical...
MHC Class II Deficiency
An autosomal recessive combined immunodeficiency caused by defects in transcription factors regulating MHC class II expr...
molecular mimicry
A mechanism where microbial antigens structurally resemble host antigens, potentially triggering autoimmune responses in...
neutrophil oxidative burst
The rapid production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils during phagocytosis to kill ingested microorganisms.
newborn screening immunoassay
Dried blood spot test measuring T-cell receptor excision circles to detect severe combined immunodeficiency in newborns.
Nitroblue Tetrazolium Test
A colorimetric assay that assesses neutrophil oxidative burst function by detecting the reduction of yellow NBT dye to b...
Omenn Syndrome
A rare, severe combined immunodeficiency variant characterised by erythroderma, hepatosplenomegaly, eosinophilia, and el...
opportunistic pathogen
Microorganism that typically causes disease only in immunocompromised hosts, serving as marker of underlying immune dysf...
opsonization
The process of coating pathogens with antibodies or complement proteins to enhance phagocytosis by immune cells.
Periodic Fever Syndrome
A group of autoinflammatory disorders characterised by recurrent episodes of fever and systemic inflammation in the abse...
PFAPA Syndrome
A childhood autoinflammatory disorder characterised by regularly recurring episodes of periodic fever accompanied by aph...
phagocyte dysfunction
Disorders affecting white blood cells responsible for engulfing and destroying pathogens, leading to severe bacterial in...
PID
Primary immunodeficiency disorders, genetic conditions causing impaired immune system function from birth.
pneumatocele
Thin-walled, air-filled cyst within lung parenchyma, often seen as complication of pneumonia in immunocompromised childr...
primary immunodeficiency disease
A genetically determined disorder resulting in increased susceptibility to infections due to defects in immune system de...
prophylactic antimicrobial therapy
Preventive administration of antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals to reduce infection risk in immunocompromised patie...