Immunobiology
Antigenic shift is a significant change in the antigens of a virus, particularly influenza viruses, that results from the reassortment of genetic material when two different strains infect the same host cell. This process can lead to the emergence of new viral strains that may not be recognized by the immune system, allowing them to evade immunity and potentially cause pandemics. Understanding antigenic shift is crucial for vaccine development and public health responses to viral outbreaks.
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