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An antigen is anything which having invaded a host, causes the host to generate an immune response against itself. In this case the virus causing smallpox in humans and cowpox in cows.
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An antigen is anything which having invaded a host, causes the host to generate an immune response against itself. In this case the virus causing smallpox in humans and cowpox in cows. Antigen receptors are cell-surface receptors of small lymphocytes that bind parts of the antigen. Antigen specificity is the ability of the host cells to recognise an antigen specifically as a unique molecular entity and distinguish it from another with exquisite precision. The ability to mount a response directed specifically against the unique epitopes that characterize a certain pathogen. Primary adaptive response is the response seen when a host meets a pathogen for the first time. It is slow to develop (7-10 days), takes 2-3 weeks to reach its peak and only lasts a few weeks. Secondary adaptive response is the enhanced response seen on subsequent infection with the same pathogen. It develops sooner, lasts longer and displays greater levels of activity. Epitopes are...
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