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Antigens are foreign substances that when introduced into a body, can induce an immune response. The antigens in vaccines can be killed or modified-live viral or bacterial strains. The sole purpose of antigens in vaccines is to stimulate the body's immune system with an harmless version of the agent in order to protect against more virulent strains later.
The content of the antigen determines the effectiveness of the vaccine. The size, complexity, stability, and foreignness all effect antigenicity. Antigens that are more complex stimulate the immune system better than those simpler ones which are degraded before the immune system has time to react. If the major cell wall antigens of gram-negative bacteria are not whole, they do not stimulate the immune system as well. Larger molecules stimulate immune response better than smaller ones. Essentially the more different the antigen is from the host, the better it will provoke the immune system. In vaccines a higher antigen content can increase effectiveness as the body reacts with protective antibodies. The higher levels of antigen remain in the body for longer periods of time and provide stronger immunity.
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