cell-mediated immunity
[ sel-mee-dee-ey-tid ]
nounImmunology.
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
1First recorded in 1970–75
- Also called cellular immunity.
- Compare antibody-mediated immunity.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
Scientific definitions for cell-mediated immunity
cell-mediated immunity
Immunity resulting from a cell-mediated immune response. Also called cellular immunity Compare humoral immunity.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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