Specificity in immunology refers to the ability of the adaptive immune system to target specific antigens. This ensures that immune responses are directed against particular pathogens, minimizing collateral damage to host tissues.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Specificity is a key feature distinguishing adaptive immunity from innate immunity.
Antigen receptors on B and T cells confer specificity by recognizing unique antigenic determinants.
Monoclonal antibodies exhibit high specificity because they are derived from a single clone of B cells.
The specificity of an antibody is determined by the variable regions of its heavy and light chains.
Cross-reactivity can occur when an antibody reacts with similar but different antigens, potentially leading to autoimmune reactions.