FORSSMAN ANTIGEN Meaning and
Definition
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Forssman antigen is a specific carbohydrate antigen that is primarily found on the surface of red blood cells in animals. It was first discovered and identified by Swedish immunologist Gunnar Forssman in the early 20th century. This antigen is capable of inducing a strong immune response in various species, leading to the production of specific antibodies.
The Forssman antigen is composed of a complex sugar molecule called pentaglycosylceramide, which is attached to the surface of red blood cells. It is naturally present in the blood of many vertebrate animals, including humans, but it is particularly abundant in certain species such as sheep and rabbits.
When foreign blood containing the Forssman antigen is introduced into the body of an organism lacking the antigen (non-self), the immune system recognizes it as a foreign substance. As a result, the immune system produces antibodies called Forssman antibodies to attack and eliminate the perceived threat.
Forssman antigen has been extensively studied in the field of immunology due to its ability to elicit strong immune responses. It has been utilized as a valuable tool in immunological research, including the development of diagnostic tests and understanding the mechanism of immune reactions.
Although the Forssman antigen does not have a significant pathological role in humans, its presence or absence has been linked to certain disease conditions, including infectious diseases and some cancers. Additionally, the Forssman antigen has been of interest in the field of transplantation, as it presents a potential barrier to successful organ transplants due to immune rejection.
Common Misspellings for FORSSMAN ANTIGEN
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Etymology of FORSSMAN ANTIGEN
The word Forssman Antigen is named after the Swedish immunologist Gunnar Forssman, who first discovered and characterized the antigen in the 1940s. Forssman was studying the immune response in guinea pigs and observed a specific antigenic substance found in the red blood cells and various tissues of these animals. He named this antigen after himself, resulting in the term Forssman Antigen.
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