Immunogenicity

Immunogenicity refers to the ability of a particular substance, such as an antigen or epitope, to provoke an immune response in the body of a human or animal. This immune response may involve either the production of antibodies, or a cell-mediated immune response, or both.

Overview

Immunogenicity is the ability of a foreign substance, such as an antigen, to provoke an immune response in the body of a human or animal. An antigen that induces an immune response is said to be immunogenic. Immunogenicity is related to immunology, the study of the immune system and its responses to foreign substances.

Factors Influencing Immunogenicity

Several factors can influence the immunogenicity of an antigen. These include the antigen's foreignness, molecular size, chemical composition and heterogeneity, as well as the method of administration.

Immunogenicity Testing

Immunogenicity testing is a key component of the development and evaluation of vaccines and therapeutic proteins. It involves the measurement of the immune response to a test substance in a biological system, which can be an animal or a human.

Immunogenicity and Drug Development

In the context of drug development, immunogenicity can be a significant issue. If a drug is immunogenic, it can provoke an immune response that can reduce the drug's efficacy or cause adverse effects. Therefore, the potential immunogenicity of a drug is a key consideration in its development.

See Also

• Antigen
• Epitope
• Immunology
• Vaccine
• Therapeutic proteins

References

Immunogenicity Resources
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