foreign ligands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foreign ligands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in scientific or technical contexts, particularly in chemistry or biochemistry, to refer to ligands that originate from outside a particular system or organism. Example: "The study focused on the interaction between foreign ligands and the receptor proteins in the cell membrane."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Whether alterations in TLR-mediated immune responses to foreign ligands such as PAMPs contribute to the increased susceptibility to infections seen in affected patients is unclear.

Plosone

Scavenger receptors are responsible for binding a range of foreign ligands (including bacteria) prior to cellular internalization, and are therefore are candidate subjects of host-pathogen coevolution.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Here we present the 2.35 Å structure of the 2C TCR complexed with its foreign ligand H-2Ld-QL9.

Cell

Earlier studies also showed that γδ T cells interact with foreign and self-ligands, including MHC and MHC-like molecules and non-peptidic phosphoantigens [8], [23].

Plosone

Tissue rejection occurs subsequent to the recognition of foreign antigens via receptor-ligand contacts between APC (antigen presenting cells) and T cells, resulting in initialization of signaling cascades and T cell proliferation.

Biomaterials

Phagocytes such as macrophages contain a variety of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), which specifically recognize foreign organisms and modified self ligand.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

HSP60 is released in the supernatant and is able to trigger signaling through TLR4, suggesting a possible a link between the atherosclerotic process and defence against both foreign pathogens and endogenously generated inflammatory ligands [11].

Plosone

Multiple ligands on a single foreign particle force the receptors to cluster, which initiates signalling pathways unique to the receptor ligand pair.

Cellular Microbiology

Utilizing a diverse binding site, T cell receptors (TCRs) specifically recognize a composite ligand comprised of a foreign peptide and a major histocompatibility complex protein (MHC).

Structure

However, these studies were unable to examine immunodominance because they did not utilize a naturally occurring positively selecting ligand for a defined foreign antigen.

eLife

In the section above, we have discussed regulation of the Notch pathway by agents that are foreign to our bodies such as TLR ligands.

Protein & Cell

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing immune responses, clarify the specific receptors that "foreign ligands" interact with to provide a more precise understanding of the mechanism.

Common error

Avoid using "foreign ligands" as a catch-all term. Specify the type of ligand (e.g. peptide, glycolipid) and its source to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreign ligands" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition in scientific contexts. It identifies substances not native to a system that can bind to biological molecules. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "foreign ligands" refers to molecules originating outside a biological system that can bind to its components. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and mainly used within scientific contexts, particularly in immunology and biochemistry. This specialized term helps to identify and categorize non-native molecules involved in various biological processes. To improve writing, it's best to be specific about the type and source of "foreign ligands". While not frequently encountered, understanding this phrase is crucial in interpreting scientific literature related to immune responses and molecular interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-native ligands

Emphasizes the external origin of the ligands compared to the system in question.

exogenous binding molecules

Highlights the external source and the binding function of the molecules.

external receptor ligands

Focuses on ligands that interact with receptors from an external location.

non-self ligands

Highlights the ligands' distinction from the body's own molecules, commonly used in immunology.

introduced binding agents

Emphasizes the act of introduction or entry of the binding agent into a system.

alien ligands

Uses a stronger term to convey the foreign nature of the ligands.

foreign binding substances

A more general term that encompasses a broader range of substances.

non-host ligands

Specifies that the ligands do not originate from the host organism.

adventitious ligands

Emphasizes the accidental or incidental presence of the ligands.

non-endogenous ligands

Highlights the ligands' external origin as opposed to being produced within the system.

FAQs

How can I use "foreign ligands" in a sentence?

In scientific writing, use "foreign ligands" to describe molecules originating outside a biological system that bind to specific receptors, such as "The immune response was triggered by the presence of "foreign ligands" on the pathogen's surface".

What is the difference between "foreign ligands" and "self-ligands"?

"Foreign ligands" originate from outside the organism and trigger immune responses, whereas "self-ligands" are native molecules that maintain normal physiological functions and prevent autoimmunity.

Are "foreign ligands" always harmful?

While "foreign ligands" often trigger immune responses to pathogens, not all are harmful. Some "foreign ligands" can be beneficial, such as certain drugs or therapeutic agents designed to interact with specific receptors.

What are some examples of "foreign ligands"?

Examples of "foreign ligands" include pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from bacteria, viral proteins, and synthetic compounds designed to bind to specific receptors in the body.