Glossary
Antibody — A protein complex used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. Each antibody recognizes a specific antigen unique to its target.Antigen — Any substance able to provoke an immune response in the human body.
Antiviral — An agent that is effective against viruses.
Mucus — Sticky, gelatinous substance produced by glands.
Multidrug therapy — Use of a combination of drugs to cure a disease.
Mutagen — Anything that can increase the rate of abnormal change in cells, leading to cancer.
Mutation — Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect.
Virulent — Highly poisonous or infectious.
Virus — A simple pathogenic microorganism that invades living cells and uses cellular mechanisms to create multiple copies of itself.
Viral infection — An infection involving viruses, the smallest known disease-causing organism. Viruses can be harmless (e.g., warts) or devastating (e.g.,AIDS or coronavirus).
