> The question then is, what do we mean by the term "immunity" -- a lack of swelling, or protection from anaphylaxis?

Well, both and more, because it's all about neutralizing the effects of the antigen. And you may always get some small degree of swelling regardless of how good your immunity is, as a host of cytokines and chemokines are released in the local area as cells get chewed up by the venom before the antibodies arrive and engage. The higher your antibody titers, the faster the neutralizing response.

How about, "an appropriate response to a given antigen." I don't love it, because "appropriate" suggests some intelligence is involved in the response, but it does represent an interconnected system with a bunch of moving parts (checks and balances) which is what the immune system is. The response changes based on whether the antigen is recognized or not, the quantity of the antigen presented, time since last contact, etc.

S

Skillman, NJ

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