Relating to or denoting a substance that is capable of inducing an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies. This includes molecules like proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids found on the surface of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites) or in foreign substances entering the body. An antigenic substance stimulates the immune system to recognize and neutralize the threat. The degree of antigenicity depends on the complexity of the molecule and how different it is from the body's own structures. The body distinguishes 'self' from 'non-self' based on these antigenic properties.
Antigenic meaning with examples
- Vaccines leverage the antigenic properties of weakened or inactive pathogens to safely trigger an immune response. This pre-exposure allows the body to build defenses against future infections without experiencing the full disease. The antigenic component teaches the immune system to recognize and neutralize specific antigens, creating immunological memory that protects against subsequent infections. This creates immune memory, helping fight off the real thing.
- The study aimed to analyze the antigenic variation of the influenza virus strains circulating in the population. Due to the constant change of surface antigens, the flu shot has to be updated yearly to keep up. antigenic drift and antigenic shift contribute to this variability. antigenic shifts happen suddenly, leading to novel viruses that humans have no immunity to. This is why flu viruses can change and cause pandemics.
- Food allergies are often triggered by antigenic proteins present in specific foods like peanuts, milk, or eggs. Exposure to the antigen triggers a cascade of immune reactions, ranging from mild discomfort to severe anaphylaxis. The antigenic molecules in food cause the release of histamine and other chemicals. The severity depends on factors like the concentration of the antigen and the individual's sensitivity.
- Research on cancer immunotherapy focuses on identifying and targeting antigenic markers on tumor cells. Cancer cells change over time. The goal is to stimulate the patient's immune system to recognize and destroy cancerous cells based on these specific tumor antigens, providing a targeted approach to combat cancer. This avoids the side effects of conventional treatments. This has led to advancements in targeted cancer treatments.