Question

What are Haptens?

• A. Antigens which induce low immune response
• B. Antigens which are not immunogenic on their own
• C. Antigens which induce high immune response
• D. Antigens which are nonspecific stimulators of immune response

Hint:

• Antigen Any substance that can be bound by an antibody or T-cell receptor.
• Immunogen An antigen that can elicit an immune response (antibody production, T-cell activation).
• Hapten A small molecule that is antigenic (can bind to antibodies) but not immunogenic on its own. It becomes immunogenic when coupled to a larger carrier molecule.
• Example: Penicillin can act as a hapten, leading to allergic reactions in some individuals when it binds to host proteins.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In biotechnology, haptens refer to small molecules that can elicit an immune response only when attached to a larger carrier molecule, such as a protein. This means that haptens possess antigenic properties but are not immunogenic on their own because they cannot trigger an immune response independently.

To become immunogenic, haptens must bind to a carrier that provides the necessary size and complexity required to activate immune recognition. Once they form a hapten-carrier conjugate, they can be effectively recognized by antibodies or T cell receptors, leading to an immune response. The correct definition of haptens, therefore, is:

Antigens which are not immunogenic on their own