A molecule or portion of a molecule capable of binding to the combining site of an antibody. For every given antigenic determinant, the body can construct a variety of antibody-combining sites, some of which fit almost perfectly, and others which barely fit.
Also called antigenic determinant. The specific group of atoms (on an antigen molecule) that is recognized by (that antigen’s) antibodies.
Characteristic shapes of antigens found on an organism.
Any component of an antigen that functions as an antigenic determinant by permitting the attachment of certain antibodies.
A fragment of a protein or any other molecule that serves as the precise focal point for an immune response.