Triggers of Adaptive Immunity

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to the triggers of adaptive immunity, including antigens, haptens, and the factors influencing antigenicity.

Antigen

A foreign macromolecule that triggers an immune response.

Hapten

A small molecule that is not immunogenic on its own but can become antigenic when attached to a larger molecule.

Carrier

A large protein molecule to which haptens are attached, creating a new epitope.

Autoantigens

Normal body components that can trigger an immune response in some individuals.

Antigenicity

The inherent capacity of a molecule to be recognized by the immune system.

Immunodominant Epitopes

Specific regions of an antigen that elicit a stronger immune response.

Foreignness

The degree to which an antigen differs from the host’s own molecules, influencing immune response intensity.

Complexity of Antigens

The structural makeup of an antigen; more complex molecules tend to be more antigenic.

Polysaccharide antigens

Often broken down too quickly to be antigenic; can be made antigenic when complexed with proteins.

Cross-reactivity

The phenomenon where antibodies react with similar epitopes on unrelated antigens.

Bacterial Antigens

Various surface components of bacteria that can elicit an immune response, such as peptidoglycans and lipopolysaccharides.

Viral Antigens

Components of viruses, primarily proteins that can trigger adaptive immune responses.

Epitopes

Specific regions on antigens recognized by the immune system during the immune response.