antigenisuus

Antigenicity refers to the ability of a substance, typically a protein or a peptide, to stimulate an immune response. This property is crucial in the development of vaccines and diagnostic tools. Antigenic substances, known as antigens, can be recognized by the immune system as foreign or non-self, leading to the production of antibodies or activation of T cells. The strength of an antigen's ability to induce an immune response is measured by its immunogenicity. Factors influencing antigenicity include the structure and size of the antigen, its ability to bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, and its presentation to immune cells. Antigenicity is a key concept in immunology, playing a vital role in the body's defense against pathogens and in the design of effective vaccines.