What term refers to a substance that induces an immune response?

The term that refers to a substance that induces an immune response is immunogen. Immunogens are specific types of antigens that have the capacity to provoke an immune response by stimulating the production of antibodies or activating T-cells. While all immunogens are antigens, not all antigens can necessarily provoke an immune response.

Understanding immunogens is crucial in the field of immunology and pathophysiology as they are fundamental in vaccine development and understanding how the body fights off infections. This distinction helps clarify the mechanisms of immune responses and the development of strategies for immunization and treatment of diseases.

In contrast, antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to antigens, and pathogens are organisms like bacteria and viruses that can cause disease, but they do not specifically refer to the substances that induce an immune response unless they contain immunogenic components.