Learn more about antigens and howthe immune systeminteracts with them to protect you.
The Immune System
The human body relies on certain defenses to help keep sickness at bay.
The immune system triggers a response that produces cells and proteins to fight off infections.
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There are two types of immunity at work within the bodyinnate and acquired.
When receptors on white blood cells bind to antigens, this triggers the immune response.
Types
Antigens can be grouped in different ways.
Foreign Antigens
This throw in comes from outside of the body.
They may be called exogenous antigens or heteroantigens.
However, sometimes, the body erroneously acts against themleading to autoimmune inflammation.
Endogenous Antigens
Your body’s cells display several types of antigens.
Antigens on red blood cells determine blood bang out.
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is present on the surface of all human cells that have a nucleus.
It identifies the cells as “self.”
The Role of Antigens
Antigens are immune response initiators.
Lymphocytes include B cells and T cells.
B cells make antibodies that can bind to specific antigens.
After an antigen gets bound to a B cell receptor, antibodies are produced.
Vaccines are used to create an immune response within the body against a particular antigen.
Once you are vaccinated, your antibodies should remain ready to fight the infection for years.
The Role of Antibodies
Antibodies are created by cells within the immune system.
They bind to antigens and promote the elimination of threatening pathogens from the body.
Testing Relevance
Tests for antigens and antibodies can be done with blood samples.
Antigen Test
Antigen tests are used to diagnose illnesses that are currently present in the body.
As opposed to COVID-19 antigen testing, antibody testing can be done after the infection resolves.
In developing a vaccine, researchers will look to see whether a vaccinated person developed antibodies.
In the case of blood transfusion, blood types must have compatible antigens between donor and recipient.
The resulting transfusion reaction can be fatal.
Antigens are key players in body immunity and play a crucial role in the prevention and elimination of diseases.
InformedHealth.org Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).How does the immune system work?
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