Antigen

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-000679",
  "term": "Antigen",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "Any substance that elicits an immune response in an organism, leading to the production of antibodies or specific immune cells. Antigens are typically macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, or nucleic acids, and they possess specific molecular structures called epitopes that are recognized by the immune system. The immune system distinguishes between self-antigens and foreign antigens.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and the Environment",
  "see_also": [
    "antibody",
    "binding site",
    "epitope"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1992, 64, 143. 'Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)' on page 146 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199264010143)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/antigen/"
}