Word parts
What it means
A marker that sets off an immune response, mainly the making of antibodyAN-tih-bod-eeA Y-shaped protein made by the immune system that sticks to one specific germ or foreign substance and marks it for destruction.anti- againstbody Full entry . Antigens are found on bacteria, viruses, pollen, transplanted organs and red blood cells. The A, B and Rh antigens on red cells set a person's blood type, which is why blood must be matched before a transfusion. Vaccines contain antigens, or instructions to make them, so the body learns to recognize a germ.
At a glance
| Spanish | antígeno |
|---|---|
| Also written | antigens, antigen's, antigenic |
Easy to confuse with
antibody
A Y-shaped protein made by the immune system that sticks to one specific germ or foreign substance and marks it for destruction.
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
blood transfusion
Giving blood, or a part of blood, from a donor into a person's vein.
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.
allergen
A substance that triggers an allergic reaction in a person whose immune system is sensitive to it.
antibody
A Y-shaped protein made by the immune system that sticks to one specific germ or foreign substance and marks it for destruction.