Pintaantigeeni

Pintaantigeeni refers to an antigen present on the surface of a cell or virus. These antigens are typically proteins or carbohydrates that are exposed to the external environment and can be recognized by the immune system. The immune system's response to surface antigens is crucial for identifying foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, and for distinguishing between self and non-self cells.

Antibodies, which are proteins produced by B cells, are designed to bind specifically to these surface antigens. This binding can trigger various immune responses, including the neutralization of pathogens, the activation of the complement system, or the marking of infected cells for destruction by other immune cells. The study of pintaantigeeni is fundamental in understanding immunology, infectious diseases, and the development of vaccines and diagnostic tests. For example, the surface antigens of viruses are often targeted by vaccines to elicit an immune response that can prevent infection. Similarly, certain pintaantigeeni can be used as biomarkers to detect the presence of specific diseases.