What role do antigens play in creating the vaccine?

Answer 1

An antigen is a molecule in the body that triggers a specific immune response against itself, usually after attaching to the virus or bacteria it wants to respond to. Studying how these molecules work allow the production of vaccines that work as antigens.

Answer 2

An antigen is any large molecule or organism which triggers a specific (rather than generalised) immune response against itself within the host body. When the body detects an antigen, the adaptive immune system produces B & T lymphocytes with antigen receptors on their surface of specific shape to bind with, and destroy that antigen; the process takes a few days, but once made, antigen receptors for that pathogen remain in the body ready to mount a much faster attack should the same antigen be encountered in the future. Some antigens only trigger a response in somepeople - for instance, pollen causes hayfever (which is an immune response) in some people, but not in others; in autoimmune disorders, the body mistakes normal body cells for antigens, and attacks them in - in multiple sclerosis, myelin is seen as an antigen, and is destroyed. In vaccinations, dead or weakened antigens are introduced into the body, which then produces lymphocytes to deal with it & any future invasions by that antigen, giving the person immunity.

Answer 3

Antigens are molecular identifiable differences between foreign material (possibly disease causing) and self material. Antibodies produced by the immune system identify foreign antigens by binding to them, labeling them for the immune system to attack.

Answer 4

Antigens in a vaccine stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response. They train the immune system to recognize and fight off specific pathogens, preparing the body to mount a faster and more effective defense if exposed to the actual virus or bacteria in the future.