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Antigen Presentation

Antigen Presentation is at term designed to explain an integral part in the Immune System and the protection of the body to foreign invaders.

Antigen Presentation is when foreign antigens are given to T Cells, B Cells and cellular components often for the destruction of the foreign aspects from the body. This decreases sickness, viruses, and other attacks on the body.

This process is a specific part of the adaptive immune system.

Certain cells such as Dendritic cells and Macrophages are the key components and they proceed to entrap and capture antigens

It is essential in this process for the cells to determine which are “self” cells and which are “non-self“.

“Self” is the host’s cells and specific antigen will identify them as belonging to the host.

Bacteria, viruses, and other particles will have different and separate antigens that will be identified and determined as “non-self“.

Environmental antigens, antigens from within the body (cancer, viruses)

Exogenous Antigens

–  These antigens are inhaled, ingested, or injected
–  Engulfed by dendritic cells, macrophages
–  These will then “present” the foreign object to specific cells
–  B cells will produce antibodies against these antigens
–  Phagocytosis then occurs

Endogenous Antigens

–  These antigens are created with a cell
–  Virus and Cancer are good examples
–  Often fragments are found
–  Recognition occurs by cellular structures occur
–  Cytotoxic T cells are presented with the cellular debris or particles.

Several pathways are identified depending on the “Class histocompatibility molecule” either I or II