In this article we will discuss about: 1. Meaning of Antigens 2. Nature of Antigens 3. Classification 4. Features 5. Factors. Meaning of Antigens: Classically, an antigen is defined as an organism, a molecule, or part of a molecule or substance which may be self or non-self, can evoke noticeable immune response and can bound distinctively with antibodies. Antigenicity is [...]
The following points highlight the top four types of antigen-antibody interaction. The types are: 1. Antibody Affinity 2. Antibody Avidity 3. Cross-Reactivity in Antigen-Antibody Reaction 4. Precipitation Reaction. Type # 1. Antibody Affinity: The strength of the total non-covalent interactions between a single antigen-binding site (idiotope) on an antibody and a single epitope is the affinity of the antibody for [...]
Many clinical tests are being done on the basis of specificity of antibodies for antigen and their ability to recognize epitopes, which is a very small portion or portions of antigen. Antibody based assays are epitope-detecting devices and most of them are based upon the quantitative precipitin curve (Fig. 5.7). A.1 Precipitation reactions in fluids: A quantitative precipitation reaction can [...]