Immunological activity of covalently linked T-cell epitopes
Article Abstract:
When protein antigens are used to immunize animals by triggering the production of antibodies by the immune system, not all of the regions of the molecule elicit an equivalent response. A specific region of a protein molecule which invokes a particular response is called an epitope; proteins will invariably have some epitopes which are more immunogenic (likely to elicit an immune response) than other epitopes. The mechanisms by which the immune system focuses on dominant epitopes are far from clear. In order to shed light on this process, the dominant epitopes from two different, unrelated proteins were linked together to form a completely new molecule consisting of only two epitopes. Although each epitope by itself was immunogenic, when the two were linked together one was predominant over the other. The authors concluded that the regulation of epitope hierarchies could result from different affinities for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encoded class II molecules. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Life-or-death decisions
Article Abstract:
Research has provided an insight into the protein tumour-necrosis factor which can signal both cell death and survival, with regard to how the balance is tipped towards survival.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
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