ANTIGENS Flashcards
ppt
Macromolecules that induce the formation of antibodies or sensitized T cells in an immunocompetent host.
Immunogens
Substances that react with antibodies or sensitized T cells but may not evoke an immune response initially.
Antigens
are small molecules that are antigenic but not
immunogenic by themselves.
Haptens
Low molecular weight particles that can bind to an antibody but must be attached to a macromolecule as a carrier to stimulate a specific immune response
Haptens
T/F: Haptens are small molecules that are antigenic and
immunogenic by themselves.
False
also known as determinant sites
are molecular shapes or configurations on antigens that are recognized by B cells or T cells.
they dictate the specificity of the immune response.
EPITOPE
These epitopes consist of a continuous sequence of amino
acids on a single polypeptide chain.
LINEAR EPITOPE
They result from the three-dimensional folding of a
polypeptide chain, bringing amino acids from different parts of the linear sequence into close proximity.
CONFORMATIONAL EPITOPE
three determinants of epitope
▪ Unideterminant, univalent
▪ Unideterminant, multivalent
▪ Multideterminant, multivalent
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO IMMUNOGENICITY
Factors related to the antigens
Factors related to the host
Factors related to the exposure
The immune system has evolved to differentiate between self and non-self.
FOREIGNESS
“self” antigens; originate from the host’s own body
Autologous
derived from a genetically identical individual, such as an
identical twin
Syngeneic/Isogenic
from a genetically different member of the same species
Allogenic/Homologous
from a different species, such as animal tissues or organs
Xenogenic/Heterologous
A phenomenon where an antibody generated against
one antigen can also bind to a similar, but distinct, antigen
Cross-reactivity
This processing often involves the breakdown or degradation of the immunogen into smaller fragments that can be displayed on MHC molecules for recognition by T cells.
DEGRADABILITY
Generally, larger molecules are more immunogenic.
MOLECULAR WEIGHT (MW)
mw that is recognizable by the immune system
10,000 daltons
mw that is most potent immunogens
> 100,000 daltons