Antigenicity

/ˌæntidʒəˈnɪsɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality or degree to which a substance acts as an antigen and triggers an immune response.

Etymology

From antigen + -icity (noun suffix denoting quality/degree), a technical immunology term from the 20th century.

Kelly Says

Different pathogens have different antigenicity levels—some are super recognizable to the immune system while others are masters of disguise, which is why some diseases are easier to vaccinate against than others!

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