VMC 221: Veterinary Immunology and Serology (1+1)

COMPLEXITY

• Good antigens have complex structure.
• Large complex molecules can be readily taken up by macrophages.
• Complex proteins are good immunogen than large repeating polymers such as the lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids.
• Proteins vary in their antigenic power. Bacterial exotoxins and egg albumin are powerful antigens.
• Haemoglobin is a weak antigen.
• Protamines, histones and gelatin are almost devoid of antigenicity.
• More complex carbohydrate is immunogenic, especially if bound to proteins e.g. cell wall antigens of gram-negative bacteria.