Haptenpeptides

Haptenpeptides are molecules that combine a hapten with a peptide sequence. Haptens are small molecules that can elicit an immune response only when attached to a larger carrier molecule, such as a protein. Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Therefore, a haptenpeptide is a small, non-immunogenic molecule (the hapten) covalently linked to a peptide, which then becomes immunogenic.

The hapten itself is too small to be recognized by the immune system on its own. However, when it is attached to a peptide carrier, the combination can be recognized as foreign by immune cells, triggering an immune response. This immune response can involve the production of antibodies specific for both the hapten and potentially the peptide carrier.

Haptenpeptides are valuable tools in immunology research and diagnostics. They can be used to generate antibodies against specific haptens that might otherwise be difficult to immunize against. These antibodies can then be used in various assays, such as ELISA or Western blotting, to detect the presence of the hapten. Furthermore, by altering the peptide sequence, researchers can fine-tune the immune response to the haptenpeptide conjugate. This approach is also utilized in vaccine development, where haptens can be attached to peptide carriers to enhance the immunogenicity of a target antigen.