Chapter 9, Problem 8CR

Summary Introduction

To review:

The mechanism by which the particular cells belonging to an individual are identified so that the immune response does not act upon the person’s own cells.

Introduction:

Antigens are usually a large protein or polysaccharide molecules. Each antigen has a unique shape, and every bacterium or virus has a different or specific antigen. The immune system produces specific antibodies in response to each uniquely shaped antigen. These antibodies attack and inactivate the antigen and also the bacterium, protozoan or virus carrying it. Most antigens are located on the outer surface of a cell or virus. It is important for the immune system to identify the self and non-self-cells.