Definition of antigen.

[m25]

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What is the strict definition of antigen? Can it be a non-protein molecule, such as steroid hormones and carbohydrates?

 

[SpartanWolverine]

What is the strict definition of antigen? Can it be a non-protein molecule, such as steroid hormones and carbohydrates?

Anything that induces an immunologic response. Yes (eg blood group antigens are carbohydrates).

 

[m25]

Anything that induces an immunologic response. Yes (eg blood group antigens are carbohydrates).

what about steroid hormones?

 

[SpartanWolverine]

what about steroid hormones?

Sure. I don't see why not. One could certainly have an autoimmunity to certain steroid hormones -- I don't recall learning about any specifics in immunology, but I don't see why it couldn't be possible.