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Related Concept Videos

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

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.
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity01:20

Special Features of Adaptive Immunity

The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules01:31

Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules

Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Antigen Presenting Cells01:22

Antigen Presenting Cells

The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Preparation of Expanded Chitin Foams and their Use in the Removal of Aqueous Copper
06:36

Preparation of Expanded Chitin Foams and their Use in the Removal of Aqueous Copper

Published on: February 27, 2021

Chitin particles are multifaceted immune adjuvants.

Carla A Da Silva1, Pierre Pochard, Chun Geun Lee

  • 1Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519-1612, USA.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|July 27, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Chitin acts as a powerful adjuvant, enhancing adaptive immune responses like Th2, Th1, and Th17. Its immune-modulating effects are mediated through Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2), MyD88, and IL-17A signaling pathways.

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Published on: September 2, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Chitin, a polysaccharide found in fungi and insects, is released during infections.
  • Its precise role in stimulating tissue inflammation and adaptive immunity remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate chitin's potential as an adjuvant for adaptive immunity.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying chitin's adjuvant properties.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were sensitized with ovalbumin and chitin, with responses compared to aluminum hydroxide (alum).
  • In vivo and in vitro assays were used to analyze immune cell proliferation, cytokine production, and antibody responses.
  • Key molecular pathways involving Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2), MyD88, and IL-17A were investigated.

Main Results:

  • Chitin induced robust Th2 immune responses, including eosinophilia, elevated IgE, and mucus production, similar to alum.
  • Both chitin and alum adjuction involved MyD88 and IL-17A, while TLR-2 was critical for chitin's in vitro adjuvant effects.
  • Chitin promoted CD4(+) T-cell proliferation and production of IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ, and IL-17A, with IL-17A inhibiting Th1 responses.

Conclusions:

  • Chitin functions as a potent, multifaceted adjuvant, driving Th2, Th1, and Th17 adaptive immune responses.
  • The adjuvant activity of chitin is mediated by a pathway involving TLR-2, MyD88, and IL-17A.