Keresztireagitivitás

Keresztireagitivitás is a term used in immunology and pharmacology that describes the interaction of an antibody or immune cell with an antigen that is structurally similar to the original antigen it was generated against. This phenomenon occurs because different antigens can share common epitopes, which are specific molecular sites on the antigen that are recognized by the immune system. When an antibody binds to an epitope on one antigen, it may also bind to a similar epitope on a different antigen, leading to a cross-reactive immune response.

This cross-reactivity can have several implications. In some cases, it can be beneficial, such as when a vaccine elicits antibodies that provide protection against multiple related pathogens. For example, antibodies generated against one strain of a virus might offer some protection against other, similar strains. However, cross-reactivity can also be problematic. It can lead to unwanted side effects if antibodies against a harmless substance mistakenly react with a similar, but harmful, substance in the body.

In a clinical context, cross-reactivity is an important consideration when interpreting diagnostic tests, such as those used for allergy testing or infectious disease detection. A positive result might be due to cross-reactivity with a different, unrelated antigen. Similarly, in drug development, understanding potential cross-reactivity is crucial to avoid unintended immune responses or interactions with other medications. Researchers study cross-reactivity to better understand immune system function and to design more specific and effective therapies and diagnostic tools.