Difference Between Antigen and Antibody
Antigen |
Antibody |
Any foreign particle and in some cases own body particles that can induce an immune response in the body is called an antigen. | When the antigen induces an immune response in the body the immune system releases its “magic bullet” against the antigen which is called the antibody. |
As they act against the immune system thus are also called immunogens. | They are globulin proteins of the immune system and thus are also called immunoglobulins. |
They are mainly proteins and carbohydrates but lipids and nucleic acids can also act as antigens when coupled with proteins or carbohydrates. | They are proteins only. |
They have specialized regions called epitopes which interact with the antibodies. interact | They have specialized regions called paratopes which interact with epitopes of antigens. |
They are responsible for causing disease or allergic reactions in the body. | They are responsible for protecting the body by destroying the disease or allergy-causing antigen. |
Antigens can be divided into multiple classes based on their immunogenicity and origin. | Antibodies are of only five basic classes. These are Immunoglobulin G, A, M, E, and D. |
What is an Antigen?
Antigen is a substance that can trigger an immune response in the body. It is typically a foreign substance, such as a microorganism, a toxin, or a particle, that the immune system recognizes as being “non-self” and potentially harmful. When the immune system encounters an antigen, it produces specific proteins called antibodies that can recognize and neutralize the antigen, or stimulate other immune cells to attack and destroy it
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