Hyperimmune

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting an unusually high level of immune response; relating to or characterized by an excessive reaction of the immune system; describing substances or conditions with enhanced antibody production
2. Displaying a heightened or intensified immune activity beyond normal levels; pertaining to immune responses that are unusually strong or exaggerated; indicating biological materials with increased immunogenicity
3. Referring to an abnormally elevated immune defense mechanism; associated with overactive immune system reactions; denoting elements with superior capacity to provoke or contain antibodies

Etymology: "Hyperimmune" is a plain compound: the Greek prefix "hyper-", meaning "over" or "beyond," attached to "immune." The prefix is used in English to mark something exceeding its normal degree, as in "hyperactive" or "hypersensitive," and the same logic applies here. In immunology, the word is used with a specific sense that differs from the everyday "overly reactive" gloss. A hyperimmune serum or globulin is one drawn from an animal or person who has been deliberately or naturally exposed to a particular pathogen, so that it carries an unusually high concentration of antibodies against that agent. Such preparations are used to give protection or treatment to others, rather than describing an overreacting immune system. The word therefore names a concentrated, targeted immunity, not an excess of reactivity.

Synonyms: immune, resistant, protected, immune-enhanced

Antonyms: susceptible, vulnerable, nonimmune