Antigen and Immunogen

Ari Nuswantoro
Antigen = Antibody generation

An antigen is a molecule that binds to Ag-specific receptors, but

cannot necessarily induce an immune response in the body by
itself

Antigens are usually proteins, peptides (amino acid chains)

and polysaccharides (chains of monosaccharides/simple sugars)
but lipids and nucleic acids become antigens only when combined
with proteins and polysaccharide
Antigen

The antigen may originate from within the body ("self-

antigen") or from the external environment ("non-self")
Immunogen

An immunogen is an antigen or any substance that may be

specifically bound by components of the immune system
(antibody, lymphocytes)
Antigen ≠ Immunogen

Despite the fact that all antigens are recognized by

specific lymphocytes or by antibodies, not every antigen
can evoke an immune response. Those antigens that are
capable of inducing an immune response are said to be
immunogenic and are called immunogens
Vaccines are examples of antigens in an immunogenic
form, which are intentionally administered to a recipient
to induce the memory function of adaptive immune
system toward the antigens of the pathogen invading that
recipient
Thank You
Any questions?