Unique surface antigen

Figure 10.5. Upon transformation, cancer cells often express unique surface antigens termed tumour surface antigens (TSAs). Antibodies raised against these will selectively bind the tumour cells. The antibody used may be unconjugated or conjugated to a drug, toxin or radioactive tag...

Hepatitis delta When they occur with any frequency, hepatitis delta infections pose a problem, since the hepatitis tends to be more severe than hepatitis B infection alone and is more likely to progress to chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis delta virus is a defective RNA virus that can replicate only in the presence of hepatitis B virus. It has a unique hybrid structure consisting of a delta inner core encapsulated by the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus. Delta superinfection can transform asjmptomatic or mild chronic hepatitis B infection to severe progressive active hepatitis and cirrhosis, and contributes substantially to fulminant hepatitis B (173,174). 

Idiotypic network. Idiotypic determinants (idiotypes) are unique antigenic epitopes characteristic of the antigen receptors on the surface of T and B cells. They are associated with the variable regions of these receptors. Antibodies produced by B cells as the result of antigenic stimulation can themselves stimulate the production of auto-anti-idiotypic antibodies which have the ability to combine with the B-cell receptor (Ig) and thus can dampen down the immune response. Idiotypes may likewise stimulate the production of T cells specific for idiotypic determinants. Jerne (1974) postulated his... 

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