The following points highlight the two important immunological techniques in antigens and antibody. The techniques are: 1. Radio-Immuno Assay (RIA) 2. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Technique # 1. Radio-Immuno Assay (RIA): One of the most sensitive techniques for detecting antigen or antibody is Radio-immuno assay (RIA). History: The technique was first introduced by two endocrinologists, S. A. Berson and Rosalyn [...]
An antigen (G. anti-against, genos-genus) is such a macromolecules which, upon introduction into the body, stimulates production of antibodies and react specifically with them. The antigenic macromolecules include almost all proteins, most polysaccharides, nucleoproteins, lipoproteins, glycoproteins, and various small bio-chemicals if they are attached to proteins or polypeptides. Antigens are characterized by two essential properties: (i) The ability to cause [...]
The below mentioned article provides a short note on Antigens:- 1. Definition of Antigens 2. Antigenic Determinants 3. Immunopotency. Definition of Antigens: Substances which can give an immune response when introduced into an animal are called immunogens or antigens. Although most antigens are macromolecular proteins, polysaccharides, synthetic polypeptides and other synthetic polymers may also be immunogenic. Although the characteristics of [...]