toxoid n : a bacterial toxin that has been weakened until it is no longer toxic but is strong enough to induce the formation of antibodies and immunity to the specific disease caused by the toxin; "diphtheria toxoid" [syn: anatoxin]

English

Noun

1. A toxin that has had its toxic properties removed, but retains its ability to generate an immune response

A toxoid is a bacterial toxin whose toxicity has been weakened or suppressed either by chemical (formalin) or heat treatment, while other properties, typically immunogenicity, are maintained. Toxoids are used in vaccines as they induce an immune response to the original toxin or increase the response to another antigen. For example, the tetanus toxoid is derived from the tetanospasmin produced by Clostridium tetani and causing tetanus. The tetanus toxoid is used by many plasma centers in the United States for the development of plasma rich vaccines.