epitope
noun
epi·tope
ˈe-pə-ˌtōp 
: a molecular region on the surface of an antigen capable of eliciting an immune response and of combining with the specific antibody produced by such a response
called also determinant, antigenic determinant
Examples of epitope in a Sentence
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Using data on known CD8+ T cell epitopes – small fragments of viral proteins the immune cell can identify – the researchers found that around 60% of people would likely have some degree of pre-existing immunity to H5N1 due to CD8+ T cell virus recognition.
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New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025
Another mouse study produced similar results but was focused on targeting a different region of the HIV surface known as the V3 glycan epitope.
—Annalisa Merelli and Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 17 May 2024
The combination of gradually falling levels of antibodies plus reduced epitope recognition has led to breakthrough infections, but the immune response has been sufficient to prevent severe disease, especially when it has been boosted.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2022
The figure below compares the binding epitope of 12-19 to other neutralizing antibody epitopes from throughout the pandemic.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023
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New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025
Another mouse study produced similar results but was focused on targeting a different region of the HIV surface known as the V3 glycan epitope.
—Annalisa Merelli and Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 17 May 2024
The combination of gradually falling levels of antibodies plus reduced epitope recognition has led to breakthrough infections, but the immune response has been sufficient to prevent severe disease, especially when it has been boosted.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2022
The figure below compares the binding epitope of 12-19 to other neutralizing antibody epitopes from throughout the pandemic.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for epitope
Cite this Entry
“Epitope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epitope. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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epitope
noun
epi·tope
ˈep-ə-ˌtōp
: a molecular region on the surface of an antigen capable of eliciting an immune response and of combining with the specific antibody produced by such a response
called also determinant, antigenic determinant
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