Chapter 18.3, Problem 13BYGO

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The immune system normally serves to protect the body from an external attack. This protective function primarily depends on distinguishing self (the body’s own cells) from non-self and is crucial to a healthy immune system. The recognizing capacity of the immune system is possible due to the presence of large molecules called antigens, which are expressed and displayed on all cells’ surfaces.

An application of the antigen–antibody reaction is when blood is required to be transfused from a donor to a recipient. The presence or absence of antigens and antibodies on the erythrocytes and in the plasma of the donor and recipient needs to be considered to avoid a potentially life-threatening transfusion reaction.