What is a surface antigen?
Surface antigen is a type of protein on the cell membrane that can signal different biological processes, including immune reactions. There are various antigens that often include receptors, adhesive molecules and enzymes. Some varieties are released into the environment between cells and depending on the type of protein, certain diseases or rejection of organs can be detected. Surface antigens are often released by viruses such as hepatitis B (HBV). These compounds in the blood sample capable of signaling viruses for replication are usually used to diagnose the disease.
HBV antigens are generally released by the replication of viruses in the liver and then the excess proteins are connected in the blood. The laboratory test can identify surface antigen in the sample. One type associated with HBV is usually found in liver cells, while others can be detected in the bloodstream. If the virus is found in conjunction with antibodies, it usually means that the immune system is Attempting to fight withinfection. A negative antibody test in general means that there is no immune response to the virus.
In general, the type of superficial antigen present helps to determine the type of immune cells that are most predominant, as well as the stage of their life cycle. Several types of antigens may be on the surface of the immune cell called lymphocyte. Because they are often used to identify cells, antigen markers are also called clusters of differentiation (CD). Different types of antigens on the cell surface may include adhesive molecule called immunoglobulin and integrin beta 2, which is associated with lymphocyte function. Others include antigens such as selectin and Kadherin.
Some CD antigens act as markers for auxiliary and suppressor cells in the immune system. Viruses can anchor some to trigger an infection, like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) binds to the receptor to enter the cell. Another type of surface antiThe gene serves as a marker for stem cells or those that can be activated and formed in any other tissue in the body.
There are many proteins of the surface of the antigen that transmit signals through the cell membrane. These signals can be sent if the immune cell is activated and communicates to others to react. Scientists generally know what antigens are related to what types of cells and also those associated with specific diseases. The antigen test is often sufficient to diagnose some diseases.