Function of Antigen

The functions of Antigens include:

1. Antigens trigger an immune response by being recognized as foreign substances by the immune system.
2. They activate the production of antibodies and stimulate the proliferation of specific immune cells, such as T cells and B cells.
3. Antigens enable the immune system to identify and eliminate invading pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
4. Exposure to antigens leads to the development of immunological memory, enhancing the speed and effectiveness of future immune responses.
5. Antigens are used in vaccines to stimulate a protective immune response without causing disease, thus preventing future infections.
6. In some cases, antigens can trigger autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Antigens are substances that the immune system recognizes as foreign and can trigger an immune response. They can be proteins, peptides, polysaccharides, or other macromolecules. Types of antigens include self-antigens, which are recognized by the immune system as belonging to the body, and non-self antigens, such as those from pathogens or foreign substances.

Antigens are important for the immune system’s ability to distinguish between self and non-self, initiating immune responses to protect the body from harmful invaders. In this article, we will study the antigen, its types, and its functions in detail.