Antigens

Are small molecules antigenic?

Generally no, small antigens aren' antigenic

What is another name for a hapten?

an incomplete antigen

What is an antigen?

any substance capable of mobilizing our immune system and provoking an immune response

What does nonself mean?

foreign intruder

Because our own self-antigens would be considered antigenic by another person, what does this help explain?

helps explain why our bodies reject cells of transplanted organs or foreign grafts UNLESS special measures (like drugs, etc...) are taken to cripple or stifle the immune response

Where can chemicals that act as haptens be found?

in poison ivy, animal dander, some detergents, hair dyes, cosmetics, and commonly used household and industrial products

What does it mean when something is antigenic?

means that their surfaces bear antigens

Do our own self antigens trigger an immune response in us?

no, our own self antigens DO NOT trigger an immune response in us

What does our immune system consider antigens to be?

nonself

What are example of antigenic things?

pollen, grains, bacteria, fungi, and virus particles

What are the strongest antigens?

proteins are the strongest antigens

What are the protein molecules that stud our own cells called?

self antigens

What happens when a small molecule links up with our own proteins?

the immune system may recognize this combo as foreign and mount an attack that is harmful rather than protective

What are most antigens?

they're mostly large, complex molecules that AREN'T normally present within our bodies

What substances can act as antigens?

virtually all foreign proteins, nucleic acids, many large carbohydrates, and some lipids

What do the bodies of other people consider out self-antigens to be?

would be considered to be HIGHLY ANTIGENIC by the body of another person

In the case where our immune system may recognize the link between a small molecule and one of our own proteins foreign and decides to mount a rather harmful attack, what is the small molecule that started all this nonsense called?

a hapten

What are our own cells studded with?

a variety of protein molecules