Anaphylatoxin

/ænəfɪˈlæktɑksɪn/ noun

Definition

A small peptide or protein fragment that triggers mast cell degranulation and anaphylactic-like reactions, particularly produced during complement activation.

Etymology

From anaphylaxis + -toxin (Greek toxikon, poison), naming a substance that triggers anaphylaxis-like effects chemically.

Kelly Says

Anaphylatoxins are released when your immune system's complement system kicks in—they're like tiny chemical messengers screaming 'EMERGENCY!' to mast cells, causing them to dump histamine.

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