Immune System, Antibodies, Interferons and Vaccines,Pathogens,Immunogen,Antigen,Immunoglobulin,Nucleic Acid,Haptens,Epitope

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Immune System, Antibodies, Interferons and Vaccines
Natural Immunity
Acquired Immunity
Actively Acquired Immunity
Passively Acquired Immunity
Properties of Different Types of Human Immunoglobulins
Genetic and Molecular Biology of the Production of Antibodies OR Immunoglobulins
V Regions Through DNA Splicing
Allelic Exclusion
Ig Gene in Germline and Differentiated Cells
V-C Regions Through DNA Splicing
Interferons
History and Progress of Vaccine Development
Nature of Vaccines
Benefits of Vaccination Against Measles

	Immune System, Antibodies, Interferons and Vaccines - Immunology deals with the defense mechanisms of animals against parasites, so that these animals are normally capable of resisting the infection by most pathogens. However, the biochemical and molecular basis of such resistance has been understood only during the last few decades. The pathogens are always recognized by the host cells through chemical interactions; a specific antigen or immunogen, present in the parasite's body, elicits in the host the production of a specific glycoprotein complex (an antibody) or an immunoglobulin (Ig). The antibody or immunoglobulin is always a protein, covalently bound with an oligosaccharide. In contrast, although most often, antigen is a protein, it may also be a polysaccharide or nucleic acid or any other substance.
It is also possible that a foreign protein (not necessarily belonging to a pathogen) may act as an antigen so that when injected, it may induce antibody formation. Certain low molecular weight molecules called haptens, ray though bind to antibodies, do not individually stimulate antibody production. However, they may become antigenic and stimulate antibody production, if they are tightly bound to certain macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids. It should also be recognized that the entire surface of an antigen molecule is not necessary for its antigenicity; instead specific group of atoms called antigenic determinant or epitope, consisting of 5-8 amino acids, is needed for immune response and antibody production. The different areas of Immunotechnology involving, both basic and applied aspects, will be briefly discussed in this chapter. In the next chapter, genetic engineering and uses of monoclonal antibodies will he discussed.B.