inactivées

Inactivées is a term used in biology and medicine, primarily referring to substances or agents that have been rendered non-functional or unable to perform their normal activity. This concept is most commonly encountered in the context of vaccines and enzymes.

In vaccine development, "inactivées" refers to inactivated vaccines, also known as killed vaccines. These vaccines are produced by treating a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, with heat, chemicals, or radiation. This process destroys the pathogen's ability to replicate and cause disease but leaves its antigens intact. The immune system can still recognize these antigens and mount a protective immune response, preparing the body to fight off future infections by the live pathogen. Examples include inactivated polio vaccine and some influenza vaccines.

Beyond vaccines, "inactivées" can also describe enzymes that have lost their catalytic activity. This loss of function can occur due to denaturation caused by extreme temperatures, pH changes, or the presence of inhibitors. In laboratory settings, enzyme inactivation is sometimes a desired outcome for experimental purposes or for product preservation. The state of being inactivated signifies a loss of biological function, which has significant implications in various scientific and medical applications.