Nonimmunodominant

Nonimmunodominant refers to antigens or epitopes that elicit a weaker immune response compared to other antigens or epitopes present in the same immunogenic stimulus. When the immune system encounters a pathogen or other foreign substance, it typically targets specific sites on these molecules, known as epitopes, for recognition by immune cells, particularly T cells and B cells. While some epitopes are highly immunogenic and trigger a robust immune reaction, others are less so. These less reactive epitopes are considered nonimmunodominant.

The concept of immunodominance is important in understanding the nature of adaptive immune responses. Factors influencing whether an epitope is immunodominant or nonimmunodominant can include its sequence, its presentation by MHC molecules, and the availability of T cell receptors that can bind to it. In vaccine development, identifying and targeting immunodominant epitopes is often a strategy to maximize the efficacy of the vaccine. Conversely, understanding nonimmunodominant epitopes can provide insights into immune evasion mechanisms employed by pathogens or the variability in immune responses observed between individuals. The focus of immune responses can also shift over time, potentially altering the relative immunodominance of different epitopes during a prolonged infection or immune response.