Epitopes

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Epitopes

Epitopes (pronounced: /ˈɛpɪˌtoʊp/), also known as antigenic determinants, are the parts of an antigen that are recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells, or T cells. The ability of an epitope to interact with these components of the immune system is called its immunogenicity.

Etymology

The term "epitope" is derived from the Greek words "epi-", meaning "on" or "upon", and "-tope", meaning "place". This refers to the epitope's position on the surface of an antigen where it is recognized by the immune system.

Types of Epitopes

There are two main types of epitopes: conformational epitopes and linear epitopes. Conformational epitopes are composed of discontinuous sections of the antigen's amino acid sequence that are brought together when the protein folds into its tertiary structure. Linear epitopes, on the other hand, are composed of a continuous sequence of amino acids in the antigen.

Related Terms

  • Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies.
  • Antibody: A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.
  • B cells: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.
  • T cells: A type of white blood cell that is essential for immune responses.
  • Immunogenicity: The ability of a substance to provoke an immune response.
  • Conformational epitope: An epitope that is recognized by its three-dimensional structure.
  • Linear epitope: An epitope that is recognized by its sequence of amino acids.

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