How Do You Spell ANTIGEN?

Pronunciation: [ˈantɪd͡ʒˌɛn] (IPA)

The word "antigen" is a common term in biology and immunology that refers to a substance that causes the body to produce an immune response. The IPA phonetic transcription of "antigen" would be /ˈæn.ti.dʒən/. The 'a' is pronounced as in "cat," the 'n' as in "now," the 't' as in "tap," the 'i' as in "bit," the 'dʒ' as in "judge," and the final 'ən' as in "button." Understanding the correct spelling and pronunciation of "antigen" is essential for researchers and medical professionals in the field.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
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ANTIGEN Meaning and Definition

  1. An antigen is a substance or molecule that is capable of eliciting an immune response in the body. It is usually a foreign substance such as a virus, bacteria, or parasite, but can also include substances produced within the body, such as tumor cells or self-antigens in autoimmune diseases.

    Antigens are recognized by the immune system as foreign or abnormal, leading to the activation of specific immune cells such as B cells and T cells. These immune cells produce antibodies or cell-mediated responses to eliminate or neutralize the antigen and prevent further infection or damage.

    Antigens possess unique molecular structures called epitopes, which are recognized by specific receptors on immune cells. The immune system's ability to identify and target specific epitopes is key to its effectiveness in defending the body against pathogens and abnormal cells.

    Antigens can be classified into different types based on their origin or function. For example, exogenous antigens are derived from sources external to the body, while endogenous antigens are produced within the body. Tumor antigens are specific to cancer cells, and allergens are antigens that trigger allergic reactions.

    The study of antigens and their interactions with the immune system is important in various fields such as immunology, pathology, and vaccine development. Understanding the role of antigens in immune responses helps scientists in advancing our knowledge and developing strategies to prevent and treat infectious diseases and immune-related disorders.

  2. Any substance which, when introducen into the animal organism, causes the productiod of an antibody; hatpin (2).

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ANTIGEN

Etymology of ANTIGEN

The word "antigen" comes from a combination of two Greek words: "anti" meaning "against" or "opposite", and "gen" meaning "to produce" or "to generate". "Antigen" was coined by the German immunologist Paul Ehrlich in 1900 to describe substances that could generate an immune response, particularly the production of antibodies. The term was later adopted into English and is now widely used in the field of immunology to refer to molecules that can provoke an immune response in the body.

Similar spelling words for ANTIGEN

Plural form of ANTIGEN is ANTIGENS

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Correct spelling for antigen
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