Immune response antigens refer to molecules or substances that can trigger an immune response in an organism, leading to the production of specific antibodies or activation of immune cells. These antigens are recognized by the immune system as foreign or non-self and can include toxins, microorganisms, and parts of microorganisms such as proteins or polysaccharides.
Upon exposure to an immune response antigen, the immune system is stimulated to mount a defense mechanism to neutralize or eliminate the foreign substance. This immune response is characterized by the activation of various immune cells, including B cells, T cells, and phagocytes, which work together to recognize, destroy, or neutralize the antigen.
B cells play a crucial role in the immune response by producing antibodies that bind to the antigens, promoting their neutralization and elimination. T cells, on the other hand, assist in the elimination of infected cells and enhance the immune response.
The immune response antigens are typically processed and presented to immune cells by specialized antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells capture the antigens, break them down into smaller fragments, and present them on their cell surface for recognition by T cells.
Understanding immune response antigens is essential in the development of vaccines and immunotherapies, as they can be targeted to induce specific immune responses for protection against infectious diseases or in the treatment of certain cancers.
