Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland and secreted into semen during ejaculation. While the name is inaccurate, PSA tests are still used to evaluate prostate health, although controversy surrounds their effectiveness in reducing mortality from prostate cancer. Other tests are used in addition to PSA tests to make an […]
Antigen presentation is when cells digest foreign proteins and present them on their surface to other cells, triggering an immune response. T lymphocytes recognize foreign antigens through a T cell receptor and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. MHC class I molecules present endogenous antigens, while MHC class II molecules present exogenous antigens. Antigen-presenting cells include […]
Blood contains different cells with antigens that can cause an immune response if recognized as foreign. Blood transfusions must be checked for antigenic compatibility, with the ABO and rhesus systems commonly used. ABO typing depends on genes inherited from parents, while rhesus factor determines if blood is Rh positive or negative. Mismatched blood can cause […]
Protein antigens stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies and can be exogenous, endogenous, or self-antigens. They are used in medical research, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccinations. A protein antigen is a protein that can stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies and to which the immune system will react if it is identified in the […]
Antigens can be given short names for easy recall, but this can result in different antigens having the same name. The H antigen can refer to a human blood antigen or a bacterial antigen. Human H antigen is part of the ABO blood system and is a building block for A and B antigens. The […]
The C antigen is part of the Rhesus blood group system and can cause incompatibility issues during pregnancy or blood transfusions. Testing for the antigen can be done in a lab. Incompatibility with the C antigen is rare but can cause complications in pregnancy. Serotyping can reveal the presence of different C antigens. No treatment […]
The Tn antigen is found on certain malignant cells and can indicate the aggressiveness of a cancer. Its presence can also provide information about the origin and growth of cancer cells. Researchers are studying the Tn antigen to develop targeted cancer treatments. The Tn antigen is an antigen that can be found on certain types […]
Recombinant antigens, made up of different proteins, stimulate immune responses and are used in vaccines. Some antigens provide lifelong protection, while others need periodic boosters. The human body can produce its own antigens, including in cancer cells. Drug-resistant bacteria create dangerous recombinant antigens that can spread. Recombinant antigens are important in medicine but can also […]
Flu antigens are used to make flu vaccines, which induce the production of antibodies to neutralize foreign substances in the body. The flu is the seventh leading cause of death in the US, and pandemics can kill tens of millions of people. Vaccines are designed by the World Health Organization and contain three different flu […]
Peptide antigens are short chains of amino acids used to activate the immune system and develop antibodies. They can be used in vaccine development and are often part of larger proteins. Antigens are molecules that generate an immune response, and antibodies are proteins that counteract specific antigens. Peptide antigens are synthesized and injected into animals […]
The p24 antigen test detects a protein found in the core structure of HIV and is used in the first few weeks after infection before antibodies develop. It is less commonly used now as more specific tests are available. HIV antigen is a protein found in the core structure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the […]
Antigens stimulate an immune response by immune system cells with specific antigen receptors. Antibodies, produced by B lymphocytes, bind to specific antigens. Memory cells can produce antibodies upon re-exposure. T helper cells stimulate antibody production, while T killers kill infected cells and antigens. Any molecule that is recognized by the body as foreign, or not […]
Antigen binding is when an antibody recognizes and binds to an antigen, which can be used in immunohistochemistry to identify antigens in tissue samples. Antibodies have a specific antigen binding site, allowing them to target specific antigens. This process is essential for the immune system to neutralize harmful pathogens. In the lab, antigen-antibody interactions can […]
Surface antigens are proteins on cell membranes that signal various biological processes. They can be used to detect diseases or organ transplant rejection. HBV antigens are released by viruses and can be used to diagnose disease. Different types of antigens can be found on immune cells and act as markers for different functions. Antigen tests […]
The ABO blood group system is based on antigens found on red blood cells, discovered by Karl Landsteiner in 1900. There are four blood types: A, B, AB, and O. A person’s blood type is determined by the presence of antigens. ABO antigen differences matter in blood transfusions, as the immune system generates antibodies against […]
Human antigens include blood factors and those that help the body distinguish between foreign and healthy cells. Blood type is determined by the presence or absence of A and B antigens, and transfusions should not contain unknown antigens. Antigens are identified by the human leukocyte antigen system encoded on DNA. Exogenous antigens enter the body […]
A viral antigen is a substance released by a virus that triggers an immune response in the host, causing symptoms such as fever and swelling. The immune system recognizes the antigen as foreign and sends white blood cells to destroy the virus. The severity of the response varies depending on the virus, and some infections […]
Antigen detection tests identify foreign substances or organisms causing disease in a patient by detecting antigens in body fluids. Rapid antigen detection test kits have made diagnosis more accessible, and effective drugs can be administered once a diagnosis is confirmed. Detection kits are available for various types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The kits […]
Antigens stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies to defend against foreign substances, but can also cause harmful allergic reactions. Medical tests can identify unique antibodies to determine exposure to disease or toxins. Antigens can come from bacteria, viruses, toxins, and transplanted organs. Allergies occur when the body develops an antigenic response to something harmless. […]
