cell-mediated immunity

[ sel-mee-dee-ey-tid ]

nounImmunology.
  1. immunity independent of antibody but dependent on the recognition of antigen by T cells and their subsequent destruction of cells bearing the antigen or on the secretion by T cells of lymphokines that enhance the ability of phagocytes to eliminate the antigen.

Origin of cell-mediated immunity

1
First recorded in 1970–75
  • Also called cellular immunity.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

Scientific definitions for cell-mediated immunity

cell-mediated immunity

  1. Immunity resulting from a cell-mediated immune response. Also called cellular immunity Compare humoral immunity.

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