Antigens

[ukae]

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Hi, I'm having trouble with this whole concept of antigens.
So antigens are "antibody generators" by definition right.
But for example, if you say that you have type A blood, you have the A antigen, but that does not mean that your body will produce antibodies against it. Same with other stuff...

So can some protein be an antigen in some cases and not in other cases?

I'm stuck on something basic... help

EDIT: So when someone asks you "do all cells have antigen," how would you respond?

Thank you.

 

[texan2414]

I always view antigens to be protein markers or some other distinct type of cell marker.

My immunology is a bit rust at the moment, but I believe that during your childhood (possibly development, please correct if I'm wrong), your body transmutates antibodies so they do not attack body's own antigens. Immune system is also capable of "memorizing" a type of antigen and not to attack against.

That means if foreign particles are introduced, the body will recognize the foreign from the non-foreign and will make antibodies against it.

Please correct me if I am mistaken somewhere.

 

[texan2414]

posted twice.

 

[JDMcNugent]

I wouldn't fret over more than the basics. In the case of blood typing, your red blood cells will express the antigen that you have and produce antibodies against the other type of antigen. Your blood type antigen is just a marker on your RBC to identify as your "self" and not something foreign.

Unless the material notes "self" antigen, assume that whatever your reading is regarding antigens as "foreign" and these foreign antigens stimulate B cells to proliferate and produce plasma cells that can produce antibodies against that specific antigen.

 

[kehlsh]

antigens are the bad guys