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Antigen

 

An antigen is any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it. This means your immune system does not recognize the substance, and is trying to fight it off.

An antigen may be a substance from the environment, such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or pollen. An antigen may also form inside the body.

 

References

Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, Pillai S. Antibodies and antigens. In: Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, Pillai S, eds. Cellular and Molecular Immunology . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 5.

Stedman's Online Medical Dictionary . www.stedmansonline.com/content.aspx?id=mirA1400011566&termtype=t. Accessed Sept. 9, 2015.

 
  • Antigens - illustration

    An antigen is a substance that can provoke an immune response. Typically antigens are substances not usually found in the body.

    Antigens

    illustration

    • Antigens - illustration

      An antigen is a substance that can provoke an immune response. Typically antigens are substances not usually found in the body.

      Antigens

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Antigen

         

         

        Review Date: 7/15/2015

        Reviewed By: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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