ANTIGENIC SWITCHING Meaning and
Definition
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Antigenic switching refers to a phenomenon observed in certain pathogens, particularly viruses and protozoa, wherein they are able to alter the antigenic properties of their surface proteins. Antigens are molecules that stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response, such as antibodies, in order to eliminate the pathogen.
During antigenic switching, the pathogen undergoes genetic changes that result in the production of new variants of surface proteins. These surface proteins are responsible for interactions with the host immune system, including recognition and targeting. By switching the antigens displayed on their surface, pathogens are able to evade recognition and destruction by the host's immune system, leading to continued infection and persistence within the host.
The process of antigenic switching is often observed in pathogens that cause chronic or recurring infections, such as the influenza virus and the malaria parasite. This ability to constantly generate new antigenic variants is a key mechanism by which these pathogens can evade the immune system and establish long-term infections.
Antigenic switching can have important implications for disease control and treatment, as it poses challenges for vaccine development. These constant changes in surface antigens make it difficult for the immune system to generate a specific and long-lasting immune response against the pathogen. Researchers and clinicians must therefore continuously monitor and study the antigenic properties of these pathogens in order to develop effective vaccines or treatments that can keep up with the changing antigens.
Common Misspellings for ANTIGENIC SWITCHING
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Etymology of ANTIGENIC SWITCHING
The word "antigenic switching" is a combination of two terms: "antigenic" and "switching".
1. Antigenic: The term "antigenic" comes from the word "antigen", which refers to a substance or molecule that can stimulate an immune response in an organism. Antigens are typically foreign to the body and can be either proteins, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, or glycolipids. The immune system recognizes antigens as non-self and launches an immune response to eliminate or neutralize them. The word "antigen" is derived from the Greek words "anti", meaning "against", and "gen", meaning "producer" or "generator".
2. Switching: The term "switching" refers to the process of changing or shifting from one state or condition to another.
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