Antigen-specific immune activation

Antigen-specific immune activation refers to the process by which B and T lymphocytes are specifically activated by recognition of a foreign antigen, typically via presentation by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) through major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules for T cells or direct binding for B cells[2][3][4][5]. This process involves clonal selection and expansion of lymphocytes with receptors specific to the antigen, resulting in a targeted immune response and immunological memory. It stands in contrast to bystander or nonspecific immune activation, and is fundamental to the specificity and memory of adaptive immunity[1][2][3]. This term is descriptive of a process, not a molecular structure or druggable protein, and so does not fit a “target” schema as defined for therapeutic intervention.

Other names

Antigen-specific activationAdaptive immune activationAntigen-dependent immune activation