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Antibody Structure

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...

Cross-reactivity

Cross-reactivity

Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Three-dimensional Biomimetic Technology: Novel Biorubber Creates Defined Micro- and Macro-scale Architectures in Collagen Hydrogels

Three-dimensional Biomimetic Technology: Novel Biorubber Creates Defined Micro- and Macro-scale Architectures in Collagen Hydrogels

Published on: February 12, 2016

Allergens and natural rubber proteins.

Gordon L Sussman¹, Donald H Beezhold, Viswanath P Kurup

¹the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

|August 10, 2002

Summary

Type I latex allergy diagnosis is improved with recombinant allergens. These standardized reagents show clinical reactivity, aiding in the identification and potential treatment of natural rubber latex hypersensitivity.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Biochemistry
Allergology

Background:

Natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy stems from Hevea brasiliensis proteins.
Type I latex hypersensitivity affects high-risk groups like healthcare workers and atopic individuals.
Standardized reagents for latex allergy diagnosis and treatment are currently unavailable.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the structural and functional characteristics of designated latex allergenic proteins.
To highlight the potential of recombinant allergens for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

Isolation and characterization of allergens from Hevea latex and NRL products.
Review of 11 designated major and minor allergens.
Assessment of skin test reactivity using recombinant allergens.

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Last Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Three-dimensional Biomimetic Technology: Novel Biorubber Creates Defined Micro- and Macro-scale Architectures in Collagen Hydrogels

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Published on: February 12, 2016

Removal and Replacement of Endogenous Ligands from Lipid-Bound Proteins and Allergens

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Published on: February 24, 2021

Humanized Mediator Release Assay as a Read-Out for Allergen Potency

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Published on: June 29, 2021

Main Results:

Identified NRL-allergenic proteins involved in biosynthesis, coagulation, and pathogenesis.
Recombinant allergens demonstrated significant skin test reactivity in allergic individuals.
Specific recombinant allergens (Hev b 5, Hev b 6, Hev b 7) identified 93% of allergic individuals in skin prick tests.

Conclusions:

Recombinant latex allergens are clinically reactive and can be standardized.
These reagents offer potential for safe and sensitive diagnosis of Type I latex allergy.
Standardized recombinant allergens could advance the treatment of latex allergy.