Antigénkötés

Antigénkötés refers to the binding of an antigen to a specific antibody or receptor. Antigens are molecules, typically proteins or polysaccharides, found on the surface of pathogens like bacteria and viruses, or on foreign cells, that can trigger an immune response. Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins produced by B cells in the immune system that recognize and bind to specific antigens. This binding is highly specific, much like a lock and key, where the antigen's epitope (a specific region on the antigen) fits into the antigen-binding site of the antibody.

This interaction is a fundamental process in adaptive immunity. When an antibody binds to an antigen, it can neutralize the pathogen directly, mark it for destruction by other immune cells, or activate complement pathways. The strength and nature of this binding are crucial for effective immune surveillance and response. Beyond antibodies, other immune receptors, such as those on T cells, also engage in antigénkötés to recognize foreign substances and initiate appropriate immune actions.

The concept of antigénkötés is central to various diagnostic tests and therapeutic strategies. For example, agglutination tests rely on the clumping of antigens and antibodies, while ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) uses antigen-antibody binding to detect the presence of specific substances. In medicine, monoclonal antibodies are designed to target specific antigens on cancer cells or pathogens, thereby mediating their elimination or blocking their function. The specificity and affinity of antigénkötés are key parameters studied in immunology and are critical for understanding how the immune system protects the body from disease.