Antigenispesifisyyden

Antigenispesifisyyden refers to the principle that immune responses are highly specific to particular antigens. An antigen is a molecule, typically found on the surface of pathogens or foreign substances, that can trigger an immune response. This specificity means that the immune system can distinguish between different antigens and mount a targeted attack against each one. For example, if a person is exposed to a specific strain of influenza virus, their immune system will develop antibodies and T cells that are capable of recognizing and neutralizing that particular strain. However, these immune components may not be effective against a different strain of influenza or a completely unrelated pathogen. This precise targeting is crucial for an effective immune defense, preventing the immune system from launching indiscriminate attacks against the body's own tissues or harmless foreign substances. The concept of antigenispesifisyyden is fundamental to understanding how vaccines work, as they introduce weakened or inactive forms of antigens to train the immune system to recognize and combat specific pathogens. It also explains why individuals can get infected with different diseases at different times, as their immune system is equipped to handle a vast array of specific threats.