immune complex

noun

1. an aggregate of an antigen and its specific antibody.

immune complex

/ ˈɪmjʊnəʊˌkɒmplɛks /

noun

1. a complex formed between an antibody and an antigen

Word History and Origins

Origin of immune complex¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

When the antibody binds to HIV in monkey studies, they form an "immune complex" which other parts of the immune system might be able to recognise.

From BBC

To summarize, this disease occurs as a result of the immune system reacting to something within the patient's body that causes immune complex deposition in the joints, resulting in an inflammatory response that causes pain and a fever.

From Seattle Times

This causes immune complex formation in the joints, which then causes an inflammatory reaction, which by definition is arthritis.

From Seattle Times