An antigenic determinant is a section of an antigen molecule recognized by plasma cell receptors and antibodies. Antigenic determinants determine the specificity of antibody binding to antigen. Typically, determinants are small sections of the antigen molecule protruding on its surface. The binding of an antibody to an antigen occurs due to the complementary interaction of antigenic determinants and variable domains of antibodies. Studying the structure and properties of antigenic determinants is of great importance for understanding the mechanisms of the immune response and developing vaccines.
An antigenic determinant is a section of an antigen molecule that is recognized by plasma cell receptors or antibodies. The term was coined in 1937 by Roger Thomas to describe the mechanism of the immune response to antigens.
Antigenic determinants are regions of the antigen molecule that can be identical or different from each other for different antigens. They are the basis for the formation of antibodies and the body’s immune response to antigenic load.
An example of an antigenic determinant is a protein that is an antigen. Proteins can have several antigenic determinants, each of which can be specific for a particular antibody. For example, a protein may have antigenic determinants that are recognized by antibodies targeting different epitopes (regions of the protein).
In immunology, antigenic determinants play an important role in determining the specificity of antibodies and immune responses. When the body is immunized with an antigen, the body begins to produce antibodies that are able to recognize and neutralize this antigen. These antibodies may have different antigenic determinants and be targeted to different sites on the antigen. This allows the body to effectively fight various pathogens and infections.
Thus, antigenic determinants are key elements of the immune response and play an important role in protecting the body from infections and other pathogenic agents.