antigen etymology

Etymology:

The word "antigen" is derived from the Greek words:

  • anti-: meaning "against"
  • genos: meaning "birth" or "race"

Meaning and Origin:

Antigen is a term used in immunology to refer to any substance that is capable of inducing an immune response in the body. The immune system recognizes antigens as foreign and mounts an attack against them.

The term "antigen" was first used in 1904 by Rudolf Kraus, a Viennese immunologist. Kraus used the term to describe a substance that was present in the blood of animals that had been immunized against a particular disease. He observed that this substance could neutralize the toxic effects of the disease-causing agent.

Over time, the term "antigen" has come to be used more broadly to refer to any substance that can trigger an immune response. Antigens can be proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, or even nucleic acids. They can be found in a wide variety of sources, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and pollen.

When an antigen enters the body, it is recognized by immune cells. These cells then produce antibodies, which are proteins that bind to the antigen and neutralize it. The immune system also activates other cells to destroy the antigen and any cells that have been infected by it.

Antigens are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. They help the body to recognize and fight off infections. However, some antigens can also cause allergic reactions.

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