Epitomers

Epitomers are a concept in immunology that describe the minimal set of amino acids on an antigen that are necessary for the induction of an immune response. They are the smallest part of an antigen that can bind to a specific antibody or T-cell receptor, triggering an immune response. Epitopes are typically linear sequences of amino acids, but they can also be discontinuous or conformational, meaning they may not be adjacent in the primary structure of the antigen. The term "epitome" is derived from the Greek words "epi," meaning "on" or "upon," and "tome," meaning "a cutting" or "portion," reflecting the idea of a specific portion of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system. Epitomers play a crucial role in vaccine design, as they are the targets of antibodies and T cells, and understanding their structure and function is essential for developing effective vaccines.