antigen

/ˈæntɪdʒən/

Definitions

1. noun

A substance that can induce an immune response and is typically recognized by the immune system as foreign.

“The vaccine contained several antigens from the virus, which helped build immunity in the recipient.”

2. noun

A molecule that binds to a specific antibody.

“The antigen-antibody reaction is a crucial part of the immune response.”

Synonyms

  • allergen
  • immunogen