Antigens, Haptens and Immunogens

Question 1

what is an antigen ?

Answer 1

a substance that interacts with white blood cells or lymphocytes

Question 2

what are immunogens ?

Answer 2

They are substance that generate immune response

Question 3

what are haptens ?

Answer 3

• small molecules that could never induce an immune system unless they are coupled with a carrier molecule (foreign protein)
• hapten- carrier molecule can act as an immunogen

Question 4

the binding of an antigen to an antibody is depending on …..

Answer 4

1. ionic bonds
2. electrostatic attractions
3. Van der Waals attractions

antibody - antigen bond is reversible

Question 5

what is an epitope?

Answer 5

small site on antigen that is recorgnized by the antibody in order for it to bind

Question 6

whta is an antigen determinant ?

Answer 6

cluster of eptomes on the surgace of an antigen

Question 7

Factor affecting immunogenicity contribution of the immunogen

Answer 7

1. foreigness
2. size
3. chemical COMPOSITION
   * sequence determinants (primary structure)
   * conformational determinnts (secondary,tertiary,quaternary structure )
4. physical form (particulate/soluble - dentured/native foreigness)
5. degradability (Ag processing ny Ag processig cells/ APC)
6. genetics (species/individual)
7. Age

Question 8

Factor affecting immunogenicity contribution of the immunogen (method of administration)

Answer 8

1. Dose
2. Route (subcutaneous,intravenous,intragastric)
3. Adjuvant (substances that inhance the immune response of Ag)