ANTIBODIES VS ANTIGENS

Antigens are molecules

(i.e. in Sars-Cov-2) capable of triggering an immune response. Each antigen has distinct surface features, or ‘epitopes’, resulting in specific responses.

Antibodies (a.k.a. immunoglobins) are Y-shaped proteins produced by B-cells of the immune system in response to exposure to antigens. Each antibody contains a ‘paratope’ that recognises a specific ‘epitope’ on an antigen.