immunocompetence

immunocompetence /-kom′pətəns/ , the ability of an immune system to mobilize and deploy its antibodies and other responses to stimulation by an antigen. Immunocompetence may be weakened in older individuals as a result of age-related attenuation in T cell function. It may also be diminished by viruses, radiation, and chemotherapeutic drugs. −immunocompetent, adj.