Haurowitz's Theory of Antibody Formation

Haurowitz, Fritz (1859-1937) - German immunologist who developed the theory of antibody formation. He proposed that antibodies are formed as a result of the interaction of two antigens and antibodies specific to them. Haurowitz also suggested that antigens and antibodies have a complex structure consisting of several subunits.

Haurowitz's theory has become one of the most influential theories in immunology. It explains how antibodies are formed and how they interact with antigens. This theory also explains why some people are more likely to develop allergies or other immune reactions to certain antigens.

Although Haurowitz's theory has its limitations, it remains important for understanding the functioning of the immune system and its interaction with antigens and antibodies.

Haurowitz's theory of antibody formation

Haorowitz proposed a theory of antibody formation, in which he considered the mechanism of their formation. According to the theory, the formation of antibodies is a process of protein synthesis, as a result of which an antibody molecule combines with an antigen. There are two types of antibody formation, the first is primary, and the second is secondary. In the first case, the synthesis of antibodies occurs immediately after infection of the body with bacteria or viruses containing the antigen; in the second case, later. The theory was developed by scientist F. Haurowitz. Later the theory was supplemented (L.A. Zilberman, A.G. Turbil).

According to the matrix theory of the formation of antibody molecules, short molecular fragments of a protein nature are first formed from lymphocytes, having a strictly constant composition of amino acids, but differing from each other in that they can be molecules of both antibodies and immunoglobulins. Such molecules are called matrices. Simultaneously with the development and maturation of cells, due to an increase in the number of matrices and an expansion of the amino acid reserve, they differentiate into amino acids. Without exception, all immunoglobulins formed after the destruction of the damaging agent and interaction with it have the same structure in composition and order of amino acids. In addition, the entire basis for the formation of protein complexes originates from the matrix, i.e. its fragments are connected in a certain sequence. We can say that the connection of fragments is the result of contact of the matrices with each other. This theory is called the matrix or non-immunological theory. After the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the body, the migration of fragmented molecules begins in interstitial tissues, where they interact with microphage and macrophage cells