What are self-antigens called?

antigen, substance that is capable of stimulating an immune response, specifically activating lymphocytes, which are the body’s infection-fighting white blood cells. In general, two main divisions of antigens are recognized: foreign antigens (or heteroantigens) and autoantigens (or self-antigens).

What are self-antigens and what is their significance?

Medical Definition of self-antigen : any molecule or chemical group of an organism which acts as an antigen in inducing antibody formation in another organism but to which the healthy immune system of the parent organism is tolerant.

How are self-antigens presented?

The presentation of self-antigens at the periphery, similarly to the thymus, is carried out by multiple antigen presenting cells (APCs) such as stromal cells and dendritic cells (DCs) (4). Dendritic cells are present in all tissues and involved in the initiation of immune responses (5).

What are non self antigens?

Any substance that is recognised as foreign and is capable of triggering an immune response is called an antigen (non self) Antigens are recognised by lymphocytes which bind to and detect the characteristic shape of an exposed portion (epitope)

What is the most common type of antigen?

Exogenous antigens are the most common kinds of antigens, and includes pollen or foods that may cause allergies, as well as the molecular components of bacteria and other pathogens that could cause an infection.

Do B cells recognize self-antigens?

B and T cells are lymphocytes, or white blood cells, which are able to recognize antigens that distinguish “self” from “other” in the body. B and T cells that recognize “self” antigens are destroyed before they can mature; this helps to prevent the immune system from attacking its own body.

What presents nonself antigens to the cells that recognize self from nonself?

Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are a group of identification molecules located on the surface of all cells in a combination that is almost unique for each person, thereby enabling the body to distinguish self from nonself.

Does MHC II present self antigen?

In contrast, MHC II molecules are only found on macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells; they present abnormal or nonself pathogen antigens for the initial activation of T cells. MHC II molecules are composed of two protein chains (an α and a β chain) that are approximately similar in length.