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 may not produce symptoms. In some cases, the immune response can be more dangerous than the virus itself.
A viral antigen is a toxin or other substance emitted by a virus that elicits an immune response in its host. The antigen is what causes common symptoms related to a viral infection, such as a fever. While the responses caused by a viral antigen can be uncomfortable, they are often the first warning that something is wrong within the body that needs to be taken care of.
When a virus enters a person’s or animal’s body, it releases proteins, toxins, or enzymes into the bloodstream. These can cause symptoms such as a sore throat or cough, but they also alert white blood cells to the presence of the virus. The cells recognize the virus’s antigen as a foreign body and send signals to the brain to release more white blood cells. Once white blood cells, including killer cells, are released in greater numbers; they hunt down and destroy viral cells.
This process is how the immune system recognizes disease and works to destroy it. Symptoms such as fever, swelling or pus in certain areas indicate that the immune system is doing its job. The immune response caused by a viral antigen can also result in swollen lymph nodes, a runny nose, inflammation, and other symptoms such as a buildup of mucus in the nose, throat, or chest.
The impact a viral antigen has on the body varies based on what type of virus it is. Some viral infections are more deadly and provoke a much tougher illicit response than others. Many childhood illnesses are caused by viruses and these are usually inconvenient but easily eliminated. Others, like the flu, can produce antigens that cause more severe reactions. These are often treated with antiviral drugs to relieve symptoms until the immune system can destroy the virus.
In some cases, a viral antigen may not be released or may not be detected. This results in infections that cause no symptoms or ones that go dormant for weeks, months, or even years. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often doesn’t cause any discomfort or illness until many years after exposure. This doesn’t mean that HIV doesn’t produce an antigen, but that it doesn’t result in a strong immune response.
Many times the immune response caused by a viral antigen is the most dangerous part of being infected with a virus. While some viral infections do harm on their own, the immune system itself causes symptoms so severe that they can be lethal to the infected person. For example, the flu can cause extreme inflammation and congestion in the lungs. This can be fatal for those with pre-existing lung conditions or suppressed immune systems.
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