Glossary of terms

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Baffled by basophils, ignorant about IgE? Here’s what it all means.

• Allergen: an allergy-causing substance;
  
• Antibody: a B-cell produced protein molecule made in response to, and reactive with, a specific antigen;
  
• Antigen: a substance capable of causing the production of antibodies and then reacting specifically with these antibodies;
  
• B-cell (B-lymphocyte): a type of white blood cell capable of producing antibodies;
  
• Basophil: a white blood cell containing histamine and other allergy mediators;
  
• Histamine: a chemical present mainly in mast cells that, when released, causes many of the symptoms of allergy;
  
• IgE: the type of antibody most instrumental in allergic reactions;
  
• Lymph nodes: small organs within the lymph system located at the intersections of lymph channels;
  
• Lymphocyte: a type of white blood cell instrumental in antibody production;
  
• Mast cell: a type of cell containing histamine and other allergy mediators instrumental in the allergic response.

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