Antigenic variation Flashcards
1
Q
What activates a primary response?
A
The antigens on the surface of pathogens
2
Q
What is antigenic variation?
A
Some pathogens can change their surface antigens
3
Q
How are different antigens formed?
A
Through changes in the genes of a pathogen
4
Q
What does antigenic variation mean?
A
When you’re infected with the pathogen a second time, the memory cells produced from the first infection won’t recognise the different antigens
5
Q
What does antigenic variation cause the immune system to do?
A
Start from scratch and carry out the primary response for new antigens which is why you get ill again
6
Q
What does antigenic variation make it difficult to do?
A
Develop vaccines against pathogens
7
Q
What are some pathogens which show antigenic variation?
A
HIV
Influenza
