Pathogen Surface Antigens

Pathogen surface antigens are molecules located on the exterior of pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These antigens are typically proteins or complex carbohydrates that serve as unique markers distinguishing pathogens from host cells. The immune system recognizes these surface antigens as foreign, triggering an immune response aimed at neutralizing or eliminating the pathogen. Surface antigens are central targets for vaccine development because they elicit strong immune responses. Some pathogens frequently change their surface antigens—a process known as antigenic variation—to escape ongoing immunity. Detection of specific pathogen surface antigens is used diagnostically to identify infections.

Elicit antibody production and T-cell activation