Antigenstrukturer

Antigenstrukturer refer to the specific three-dimensional shapes on the surface of antigens that are recognized by the immune system. These structures are primarily composed of proteins or carbohydrates and are the key determinants of an antigen's immunogenicity. Antibodies and T-cell receptors (TCRs) bind to these structures, initiating an immune response.

The precise arrangement of amino acids in a protein or the sequence of monosaccharides in a carbohydrate dictates the unique spatial conformation of an antigenstruktur. These regions are known as epitopes. An antigen can have multiple epitopes, and different antibodies or TCRs may recognize distinct epitopes on the same antigen.

The interaction between an epitope and a B-cell receptor (BCR) or TCR is highly specific, akin to a lock and key mechanism. This specificity is crucial for the immune system's ability to distinguish between self-molecules and foreign invaders. Changes in antigenstruktur, such as mutations or conformational shifts, can affect their recognition by the immune system, leading to immune evasion by pathogens or the development of autoimmune diseases. Understanding antigenstrukturer is fundamental to vaccine development, immunotherapy, and diagnosing various diseases.