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Understanding Antigens and Immunogenicity

This document provides an overview of antigens including their definition, classification, and characteristics. It defines antigens as any substance that can stimulate an antibody response when introduced into the body. Antigens are classified as either T-dependent or T-independent based on whether they require T cell help to stimulate antibody production. The document also notes that characteristics like size, chemical nature, susceptibility to tissue enzymes, structural complexity, and foreignness to the host can impact an antigen's immunogenicity and ability to induce an immune response.

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69 views11 pages

Understanding Antigens and Immunogenicity

This document provides an overview of antigens including their definition, classification, and characteristics. It defines antigens as any substance that can stimulate an antibody response when introduced into the body. Antigens are classified as either T-dependent or T-independent based on whether they require T cell help to stimulate antibody production. The document also notes that characteristics like size, chemical nature, susceptibility to tissue enzymes, structural complexity, and foreignness to the host can impact an antigen's immunogenicity and ability to induce an immune response.

Uploaded by

jesscraz25
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Microbiology -

Antigen
Jessica I , 59
Table of contents
01 Definition

02 Classification

03 Characteristics
Antibody Generator --Antigen

Any substance which when


introduced parenterally into the
body, stimulates the production
of an antibody with which it
reacts specifically and in an
observable manner
Immunologic properties
Immunogenicity Antigenicity
Induce humoral and /or cell-
mediated immune response in
body. Combine
specifically with
• B cells+ antigen--> effector B
cells (plasma cell)+memory B cells
antibodies or T cell-
surface receptors
• T cells + antigen--> effector T
cells (helper T cell or cytotoxic T
cell) + memoryT cells
Immunogens
--> Substance which satisfies
immunogenicity- IMMUNOGEN
All immunogens are antigens
but all antigens are not
immunogens
EPITOPE - small area present on
antigen which reacts with specific site
of T cell receptor or antibody
Classification
Antigens

T - DEPENDENT T- INDEPENDENT
ANTIGEN ANTIGEN
Processed and presented by antigen -
No help of T cells and
presenting cells to T cells
APCs

Directly bind to Ig receptors &


T cell activation stimulate B cells polyclonally

Secrete cytokines- stimulate B cells - Increased secretion of


antibodies non - specific antibodies
T dependent antigen
Superantigens
--> Activate T cells directly without being
processed by antigen - presenting cells
--> Activate B cell pokyclonally, which leads to
increased secretion of non- specific
antibodies Eg - Streptococcal
pyrogenic exotoxin(SPE) -
A and C
Rabies nucleocapsid
Characteristics

Size Larger the size, more potent is the molecule as an immunogen

Chemical
nature Proteins > Carbohydrates > Lipids > Nucleic acids

Susceptibility to
Substances susceptible to action of tissue enzymes - antigens
tissue
enzymes Polystytene latex - not antigenic

Structural
complexity Polymers with 2 or more amino acids - antigenic

Only antigen that are 'foreign' to the individual ( non-


Foreignness
to host
self) induce immune response.
Antigenicity foreignness
Thank you
Any questions?

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