Affinities

Definition

The strength with which an antibody binds to its specific antigen is known as affinity. Higher affinities indicate a stronger and more effective immune response.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Affinity is determined by the specific interactions between the antigen's epitope and the antibody's paratope.
2. High-affinity antibodies are generally produced during secondary immune responses.
3. Affinity maturation occurs in germinal centers through somatic hypermutation and selection processes.
4. Low-affinity antibodies may be produced initially but can evolve into high-affinity antibodies over time.
5. Affinity is crucial for determining the efficacy of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies.

Review Questions

Related terms

Epitope:

The specific part of an antigen that is recognized and bound by an antibody.

Paratope:

The part of an antibody that binds to an antigen's epitope.

Germinal Center: A site within secondary lymphoid organs where mature B cells proliferate, differentiate, and mutate their antibody genes during an immune response.