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Alloantigen is a term used in immunology to describe an antigen that is foreign to an individual's immune system. Antigens are substances that can trigger an immune response, and when they are recognized as non-self by the immune system, they are classified as alloantigens. This classification is crucial in the context of transplantation, where the immune system must distinguish between self and non-self tissues to prevent rejection of transplanted organs.

The immune response to alloantigens is mediated by a variety of immune cells, including T cells and B cells. T cells play a significant role in recognizing and responding to alloantigens, particularly through the action of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and helper T cells. CTLs are responsible for directly killing infected cells, while helper T cells provide support and coordination for the immune response.

In transplantation, the presence of alloantigens on donor tissues can lead to an immune response that results in the rejection of the transplanted organ. To mitigate this, immunosuppressive therapies are often employed to prevent the immune system from recognizing and attacking the alloantigens. These therapies can include medications that target specific immune cells or pathways involved in the immune response.

Understanding the mechanisms by which the immune system recognizes and responds to alloantigens is essential for developing more effective strategies in transplantation and other areas of immunology. Research in this field continues to advance our knowledge of immune function and its applications in medicine.