guidebook. - Fanconi Anemia Research Fund

Glossary
Immune response: The body’s defense against disease
and foreign substances, including transplanted bone
marrow; substances may be recognized as “foreign”
and then killed by other cells. 2
Immunoglobulin: A protein produced by plasma cells
and lymphocytes and characteristic of these types of
cells. Immunoglobulins play an essential role in the
body’s immune system. They attach to foreign substances,
such as bacteria, and assist in destroying them.
Immunoglobulin is abbreviated Ig. The classes of
immunoglobulins are termed Immunoglobulin A (IgA),
Immunoglobulin D (IgD), Immunoglobulin E (IgE),
Immunoglobulin G (IgG), and Immunoglobulin M
(IgM). 15
Immunosuppression: Suppression (as by drugs) of
natural immune responses necessary to fight disease or
a harmful substance. 1,5
Imperforate anus: A congenital defect in which the
opening to the anus is missing or blocked. It may occur
in several forms. The rectum may end in a blind pouch
that does not connect with the colon. Or, it may have
openings to the urethra, bladder, base of penis or scrotum
in boys, or vagina in girls. In girls, it is associated
with malformations of the uterus and vagina which
can affect sexual function and fertility. A condition of
stenosis (narrowing) of the anus or absence of the anus
may be present. 5
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): The hormone
produced by the liver, bones, and other tissues in
response to growth hormone, with production declining
after puberty.
Intravenous (IV): Injection directly into the vein. 2 353