Antigenic determinant is a term used in immunology to define specific molecular structures on antigens that are recognized by the immune system. The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from foreign substances such as viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Antigenic determinants are essential in the process of identifying and destroying these foreign substances.
Definitions
Antigenic determinants are specific regions on the surface of antigens that are recognized by antibodies or T-cells. These regions are also referred to as epitopes. Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response in the body, and antigenic determinants are the specific structures on these antigens that the immune system recognizes.
Origin
The term antigenic determinant was first coined by the British immunologist, Peter Medawar, in 1952. He used this term to describe the specific regions on antigens that are recognized by the immune system.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an antigenic determinant is “a specific molecular structure (as a protein or a carbohydrate) on the surface of an antigen that is recognized as foreign by the immune system and that stimulates the production of an antibody specifically directed against it.”
The Oxford dictionary defines antigenic determinant as “a specific region on the surface of an antigen that is recognized by an antibody and that determines its specificity.”
Associations
Antigenic determinants play a crucial role in the immune response of the body. They are responsible for triggering the production of antibodies and T-cells, which are essential in fighting off infections and diseases. Antigenic determinants are also used in the development of vaccines, as they can be used to stimulate the immune system to produce a protective response against specific pathogens.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of antigenic determinant include epitope, antigenic site, and antigenic marker.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for antigenic determinant.
The same root words
Antigenic and determinant are the two root words that make up the term antigenic determinant.
Example Sentences
- The antigenic determinant on the surface of the virus was responsible for triggering the immune response in the body.
- The development of a vaccine requires the identification of specific antigenic determinants on the surface of the pathogen.
- The antibody recognized the antigenic determinant on the surface of the cancer cell, leading to its destruction.