AntigenBindungsstellen

AntigenBindungsstellen, also known as epitope binding sites, are specific three-dimensional regions on the surface of an antigen that are recognized and bound by antibodies or T-cell receptors. These sites are typically composed of amino acid residues that form a unique shape and chemical environment. The interaction between an antigen-binding site and its corresponding antigen is highly specific, akin to a lock and key mechanism. Antibodies, produced by B cells, possess antigen-binding sites within their variable regions, which are crucial for their role in the adaptive immune system. T-cell receptors, on the other hand, recognize antigens presented by other cells in conjunction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The precise structure of an antigen-binding site determines its affinity and specificity for a particular epitope, making it a fundamental concept in immunology and diagnostics.