Immunodominant

Definition

An immunodominant epitope is the part of an antigen that is most effectively recognized by the immune system, eliciting the strongest immune response. These epitopes are crucial in determining the specificity and efficacy of T-cell responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Immunodominant epitopes are key targets for T cells during an adaptive immune response.
2. They play a significant role in vaccine design and effectiveness.
3. The concept of immunodominance helps explain why certain parts of a pathogen elicit stronger immune responses than others.
4. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules present immunodominant epitopes to T cells.
5. Factors such as epitope processing, MHC binding affinity, and T cell receptor specificity influence immunodominance.

Review Questions

• What is an immunodominant epitope and why is it important?
• How do Major Histocompatibility Complexes (MHC) relate to immunodominant epitopes?
• What factors contribute to the immunodominance of an epitope?

Related terms

Epitope: A specific part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC): A set of cell surface proteins essential for acquired immune system function through antigen presentation.

Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs): Cells that process and present antigens to T-cells, initiating an adaptive immune response.