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Glossary (use your browser's back button to return to Fighting Back) AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; an immunological disorder that leaves the body susceptible to infection and some rare cancers; caused by the virus, HIV antibody: a protein created by B-cells that binds to an antigen or prevents antigens from entering healthy cells antigen: any substance that induces a response from the body's immune system; often a fragment of a virus or bacteria or some other substance that the body views as an invader B cell: one of the many components of the body's immune system; a key player in the production of antibodies body cell: any cell that the body and the immune system view as belonging to the body complement: blood proteins that work with antibodies to destroy antigens helper T cell: a type of white blood cell that initiates an immune response when presented with an antigen HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; the virus that causes AIDS killer T cell: a type of white blood cell that seeks out and destroys cells that have already been invaded by a virus or some other substance macrophage: a type of white blood cell that seeks out and consumes foreign substances; capable of presenting antigens on its surface to other cells of the immune system mumps virus: one of many types of antigens that the body views as a foreign invader Search for a Vaccine | See HIV in Action | AIDS in Perspective The Virus Fighters | Fighting Back | Help/Resources Teacher's Guide | Transcript | Site Map | Surviving AIDS Home Editor's Picks | Previous Sites | Join Us/E-mail | TV/Web Schedule About NOVA | Teachers | Site Map | Shop | Jobs | Search | To print PBS Online | NOVA Online | WGBH © | Updated October 2000 |