Antigen Flashcards
What is immunogen
Antigen that induces a subsequent immune response
What is an epitope
Structure recognized by antibody
Are B cell epitopes conformational or linear
usually conformational but can be both
What’s a linear epitope
Structures recognized by an antibody or t-cell that are composed of a single linear segment of polypeptide chain
What is foreignness
How different is antigen from the host. More foreignness= easier to be recognized by immune system
Does size matter
the bigger it(antigen) is…the better the immune respose is
What is a hapten
Low molecular weight compound (penicillin).
Cannot elicit an immune response.
Must be bound to larger molecule (carrier).
Changes the existing epitope or creates a new epitope
How does chemical composition influence immunogens (what are best)
Proteins are the best > carbs > nucleic acids
How does complexity influence immunoginisity
More complex= better immunogen. Glycoproteins > complex carbs
What are conformational determinants
3D structure of immunogen. More complex = better immunogen
Conformational immunogens
What is immunogenicity derived from
Genetics, Age, how it’s acquired (route, local environment, timing, dose, etc)
can Antibody be an antigen
Yes, used in ELISA things
What are isotypic epitopes
Epitopes derived from the C H chain that determines the isotype (anti-IgG) Used in ELISA
What is immune complex glomerulonephritis
Excess Ab lodge in the basement membrane of the glomeruli
What is an antigen
Foreign or endogenous substance recognized by immune system
