3 - IMMUNOGENS AND ANTIGENS

Question 1

Define antigen

Answer 1

Any molecule able to specifically interact with a component of the immune system

Question 2

Types of antigens - Describe hapten

Answer 2

Any molecule that can interact with the immune system but cannot stimulate an immune response by itself

Question 3

Types of antigens - Immunogens

Answer 3

Any molecule that is able to stimulate an immune response (does not require anything else in order for an IR to occur)

Question 4

Provide an example of a hapten and describe how it works

Answer 4

Poison Ivy

• The sap of a poison ivy (urushiol) consists mainly of catechol molecules
• These catechol molecules must combine with skin proteins before an IR can occur
• Initial contact will not elicit an IR, at a second contact an IR will be stimulated