Pathogens and antigens

Pathogens and antigens refer to a broad class of biological entities and their constituent molecules that interact with the host immune system. Pathogens are infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that cause disease by invading host tissues and producing toxins [1]. Antigens are the specific molecular components of these pathogens, such as surface proteins or polysaccharides, that are recognized by antibodies or T-cell receptors to initiate an immune response [2]. In the context of drug development, specific proteins within a pathogen (e.g., viral proteases or bacterial ribosomes) are targeted by anti-infective agents to inhibit growth or replication. Vaccines utilize purified or recombinant antigens to induce protective immunity without causing disease [3]. Because this term describes a vast array of diverse biological agents rather than a single molecular entity, it is classified as a general category rather than a specific therapeutic target. [1] Alberts B, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2002. [2] Janeway CA Jr, et al. Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease. 5th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2001. [3] World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines and Immunization. 2023.

Other names

Infectious agentsImmunogensMicrobial antigensForeign antigensPathogenic organisms

Not applicable as this is a broad category of biological entities rather than a single molecular target.