heterophile
/ˈhɛtərəˌfaɪl/
adjective
- Having an affinity for antigens from a different species; often used to describe antibodies or tests.
- The heterophile antibody test is a common way to diagnose mononucleosis.
- Some viruses trigger a heterophile immune response in humans.
- Heterophile reactions can occur when the immune system responds to foreign proteins.
Synonyms
noun
- An antibody or antigen that reacts with substances from a different species.
- Heterophiles are often involved in cross-species immune reactions.
- Researchers study heterophiles to understand how the body responds to animal proteins.
- The lab detected heterophiles in the patient's blood sample.