Molecular and Stereochemical Properties Required of Antigens for the Elicitation of Allergic Reactions

Abstract

Antigens are molecules possessing several different immunological functions. At the present time, a more precise definition of these various functions under the terms of immunogenicity, antigenicity, allergenicity, and tolerogenicity may appear useful (Table 1). Whereas natural macromolecular antigens are usually able to perform simultaneously all possible functions of an antigen, the chemical manipulations of antigenic determinants and of carrier molecules and the preparation of synthetic antigens has permitted us in recent years to analyze somewhat better the molecular characteristics required for the one or the other function of antigens. Beside its theoretical interest, such an analysis has also permitted to obtain more insight in the molecular mechanism of various types of allergic reactions. Furthermore, the practical implications of this work lie at hand: according to circumstances, it could be most desirable in human medicine to prepare and administer antigens possessing solely one or the other of the possible functions.

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This work has been supported in part by the Swiss National Foundation for Scientific Research and by the Emil Barell Foundation of F. Hoffmann — La Roche, Inc., Basle.