Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Capable of developing an immune response: Describes a state where the immune system is functioning properly and can recognize and respond effectively to antigens (foreign substances like bacteria or viruses).

Usage

The term "immunocompetent" is primarily used in medical and biological contexts to describe a normal, healthy immune system. It is often contrasted with "immunocompromised" or "immunodeficient," which describe a weakened immune system.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • A healthy, immunocompetent individual can fight off common infections.
  • The vaccine is designed to stimulate an immune response in immunocompetent persons.
  • The study only included immunocompetent participants to assess the normal immune reaction.

Advanced Usage

• "Immunocompetent host": A term frequently used in medicine and epidemiology to refer to an individual with a normally functioning immune system.
  • The disease typically causes mild symptoms in an immunocompetent host.

Variants and Related Words

• Immunocompetence (noun): The state or condition of being immunocompetent.
  • The patient's immunocompetence was confirmed by laboratory tests.

Synonyms

• Immunologically competent: Having a fully functional immune system.
• Immunologically intact: Describing an unimpaired immune system.

Antonyms

• Immunocompromised: Having a weakened immune response.
• Immunodeficient: Lacking a proper immune response.

Adjective

1. capable of developing an immune response following exposure to an antigen
   • immunocompetent cells