Glossary

Idiopathic
Of unknown cause or origin.
IL-12/IFNgamma
Neuroendocrine-immune system axis that is crucial for protective immunity to mycobacterium in humans and mice.
Immune system
Collection of mechanisms within an organism that protects against infection by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells and has two main components.
  • Innate immune system: Cells and mechanisms found in all classes of plant and animal life which provide immediate defense against infection in a non-specific manner.
  • Adaptive immune system: System, found only in jawed vertebrates, which provides a pathogen- and antigen-specific response. The cells of the adaptive immune system are called lymphocytes, of which T cells and B cells are the major types.
Immunosuppressive
Inhibits or prevents activity of the immune system. Immunosuppressive substances are used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, some inflammatory diseases, and for preventing transplant organ rejection.
International Unit (IU)
A unit of measurement for the amount of a substance, based on measured biological activity. For vitamin D, 1.000 IU is equal to 0.025 µg cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol.
Institute of Medicine (IOM)
Component of the United States' National Academy of Sciences whose mission is to "serve as adviser to the nation to improve health."
Isomer
Molecule with the same chemical formula of another, but different arrangement of atoms.