It is known that the variable region of the antibody molecule is the one that differs in antibodies for different antigens. My question is, suppose 2 people encounter an Antigen A, then will the antibodies formed within both of them against this antigen have the same variable regions?
2007-02-27 17:34:30 · 3 answers · asked by Natasha 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Probably no. We have the ability to make many antibodies against the same antigen. Each may recognize a different part of the antigen and may bind with different strengths. Each of these will have a different variable region: the odds of two people having precisely the same combination is quite low.
2007-02-28 00:09:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the answer is yes. The ability to recognize a specific antigen is determined by the specific 'makeup' of the variable regions of that antibody. Because antibody production is very 'precise', it is likely that one set of variable regions 'matches' with one type of antigen.
However, I have not seen any specific scientific evidence to confirm this hypothesis.
Best wishes.
2007-02-28 02:04:16 · answer #2 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is yes. antibodies are immature until they meet an antigen . forwarding the encounters they become specific to the antigen. among human beings the antibodies for the same antigen are identical . that's why most vaccines are produced from other mammals such as rabbits or mice.
2007-02-28 02:06:53 · answer #3 · answered by kasoker 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋