Do only pathogens have antigens?
1 Answer
Sep 15, 2016
No
Explanation:
An antigen is something that produces an immune response and is typically recognised by an antibody.
Pretty much anything can be an antigen. Some examples of antigens that are not found in pathogens:
- pollen (hayfever)
- organ rejection after transplant
- allergic responses to foods e.g. shelfish
- auto-immune desease where the body attacks itself with antibodies
