Explain the characteristics of antigens, the property of antigenicity,
and epitopes.
The immune system is a complex cell and protein network that protects the body from infection. The immune system maintains a record of any germ (microbe) it has ever overcome, so if it reaches the body again, it will easily identify and kill the microbe.
The term antigen is derived from the generation of antibodies, referring to any material capable of eliciting an immune response (for example, the development of particular molecules of antibodies). An antigen (Ag) is, by definition, able to combine with the unique antibodies produced by its presence.
An antigen must possess three characteristics to be immunogenic: Be of high weight for molecules, Show chemical complexity, and Show foreignness (recognised by the body as not-self).
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