The immunological synapse is the space between an antigen and an antibody where chemicals are delivered to trigger a chain of reactions that destroy the antigen. Antibodies are attracted to antigens to prevent disease or infection, and each antibody can only bind to one antigen at a time. The discovery of the immunological synapse was announced in 1995.
The immunological synapse, also called the immune synapse, is the space between an antigen and an antibody that exists when these two molecules are linked. The antibody is able to deliver chemicals to the antigen across this synapse. These chemicals are used to trigger a chain of chemical reactions that lead to the destruction of the antigen.
There are two types of macromolecules, or large molecules, involved in the immunological synapse. One is an antibody, which is a type of immune cell called a lymphocyte, produced inside the body of animals, including humans. The other molecule is known as an antigen. Antigens are considered hostile in living organisms and can be a variety of different things, including proteins, bacteria and viruses, and harmless molecules, such as pollen or other allergens. Antibodies are attracted to antigens to destroy them and prevent disease or infection in the body.
The process of eliminating an antigen from an organism requires a number of steps. First, the antibody is attracted to an antigen. Once the two bind, the antibody releases chemicals, which travel across the immunological synapse until they reach the antigen. These molecules bind to the surface of the antigen, trigger a chain of chemical reactions and ultimately destroy the foreign body. Once the lymphocyte releases a chemical on the surface of the antigen, it moves away from the antigen, eliminating the immunological synapse.
The synapses between antigens and antibodies are similar to those between nerve cells. The spaces involved are very small, often less than 1 micron (0.0001 cm). The antigen and antibody never touch as the antibody sends chemicals through the immunological synapse. Once bound to an antigen, an antibody releases potent toxins, called cytokines. Tight binding to an antigen prevents the cytokines from spreading to other parts of the body, where they could damage other cells.
Each antibody can bind to only one antigen at a time. It is possible, however, for multiple antibodies to bind to the same antigen. An antigen with more antibodies attached can be neutralized more quickly.
Initial research on the immunological synapse was completed by several scientists. Abraham Kupfer discovered the synapse. Seeing that the space between the two macromolecules functioned similarly to the synapse between nerve cells, Michael Dustin called the synapse an immunology. The discovery was announced in 1995.
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