Talk:Antigen

Should the header Freefloating Antibodies be Freefloating Antigens? This paragraph doesn't match what I'm reading in other articles. Is this paragraph implying that polyclonal antibodies cannot attack free floating antigens?

I think you'd be dead very soon and very quick if you only had monoclonal antibodies in your bloodstream. (By their nature monoclonal systems are an artificial construct for research/therapy - did that make sense?) Changing that right now, will come back and do a whole overhaul--ZZ 14:59, 1 Oct 2004 (UTC)

Should this article be reworked? The wording is a bit odd and mostly not correct (although it is very easy to read, especially for the non-scientist). User:Stmoran, 14 May 2005

Of course it should be. That's the point of the process. If you revise it in a way we don't like, it is always possible to change or revert it. Also remember to sign yourself using four tildes ~~~~ --Eleassar777 11:17, 14 May 2005 (UTC)

Antigen Correction of DEFINITION

An antigen is ANY BODY that stimulates antibody prouction, from the immune system against it. Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002224.htm --Chazz88 22:08, 11 October 2005 (UTC)

Antigen vs. Immunogen

In my immunology course I was given slightly different definitions for antigen and immunogen. According to what I learned, antigens are substances that can bind to components of the immune system, but not necessarily cause an actual immune response. An immunogen, however, was defined as a substance that can cause an acquired immune response. The definition for antigen given in this article is different. Any thoughts? -Campaigner444 00:46, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

I agree, an immunogen is not the same thing as an antigen XApple (talk) 16:13, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

I agree as well. An immunogen is a type of antigen, but not all antigens are immunogens. As you have said, immunogens elicit a response from the immune system, but antigens do not always cause a reaction. There should be some differentiation.--Mcoj87 (talk) 19:10, 9 December 2008 (UTC)

That's what I was taught by my prof. too. 75.155.134.185 (talk) 21:44, 26 December 2008 (UTC)

If they're two separate entities with two different sets of attributes, they should be split. Encyclopedic articles aren't pan-topical.--Cesium_133 (talk) 13:17, 29 April 2009 (UTC)

Removed text

It is widely recognized by medical professionals that menstrual fluid contains a bacteria associated with Daujeszky's Disease, a antigen in men that has gone unrecognized for many years. Known side effects include stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and severe inflammation of the urethra. If not treated properly it could result in urinary infection lasting for up to several days.

A finding of Dr. Joan Hiniesne, a professor at Cambridge University, suggests that Daujeszky’s Disease occurs primarily in young sexual active men. A case study in Austin, Texas followed a man, “Dave” (hiding actual name under privacy clause), for several months after having intercourse during the menstrual cycle of a female participant. The study concluded that symptoms often arise fairly suddenly and last for any number of days; perhaps even weeks depending on severity. “This is a very common effect of intercourse during the menstrual cycle” Reported by Casey Snyder of the Washington Medical Journal in an article entitled: Presumptions of Safety during Sex.

information by User:Kjsogjs (contributions) over four edits 7 February 2007

removal --ZayZayEM 01:19, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

"Origin of poopy", vandalization, right?

that is the result of vandalism, right? 0.0 --TiagoTiago (talk) 10:14, 20 November 2007 (UTC)

I hope it is ok, I reverted the poopy thing--TiagoTiago (talk) 10:24, 20 November 2007 (UTC)

This page contains false information

The basic definition given on this page (i.e. antigen = immunogen) is wrong. There needs to be two separate articles. One is a sub-class of the other.

Immunogens refer to antigens that are able to stimulate a specific adaptive immune response when introduced into the body. Not all antigens are immunogens. To be immunogenic, antigens must fulfil certain criteria, such as i/ being large enough, ii/ chemically complex and iii/ in most of the cases foreign.

For instance a hapten is an antigenic substance but not immunogenic. XApple (talk) 17:24, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Chemical Composition

This article should discuss the chemical composition of antigens. As well as their structure, capabilities...