Glossary of ALS-Related Medical and Scientific Terms

(Presented by The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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Select a letter from the list above.

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vaccine Any substance, bearing antigens on its surface, that causes activation of an animal’s immune system without causing actual disease. The animal's immune system components (e.g. antibodies) are then prepared to quickly vanquish those particular pathogens when they later enter the body.

vector The agent used (by researchers) to carry new genes into cells. Plasmids currently are the vectors of choice, though viruses and other bacteria are increasingly being used for this purpose.

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