Antigen Processing and Recognition
Antigen processing and recognition is a fundamental component of the immune system, which helps protect the body from disease. Antigens are molecules that are recognized by the immune system as foreign or invader. This recognition is facilitated by specialized receptors on the surface of immune cells called antigen receptors, which bind to specific antigens. The antigen then undergoes processing, which breaks it down into smaller fragments that can be read by the antigen receptor. The processed antigen is then recognized by and binds to the antigen receptor. This binding triggers an immune response and subsequent destruction of the invader. Antigen processing and recognition is essential to protection from numerous diseases and is a key component of vaccines, which introduce antigens to the body in a controlled manner to help the body build the antigen-specific immune response needed to fight disease.
← International Journal of Anesthesia