epitope

noun

epi·​tope ˈe-pə-ˌtōp How to pronounce epitope (audio)
: 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

Recent Examples on the Web 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 If, because of past infection or vaccination, most people in a population have antibodies that recognize a specific epitope, then a change that alters the epitope and limits that recognition can allow the mutant virus to infect the population. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2022 See all Example Sentences for epitope 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epitope.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

epi- + Greek tópos "place"

Note: Term introduced by the Danish immunologist Niels Kaj Jerne (1911-94) in "Immunological speculations," Annual Review of Microbiology, vol. 14 (1960), pp. 341-58.

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epitope was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near epitope

Cite this Entry

“Epitope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epitope. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

epitope

noun
epi·​tope ˈep-ə-ˌtōp How to pronounce epitope (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on epitope

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