Defining the complementarities between antibodies and haptens to refine our understanding and aid the prediction of a successful binding interaction

摘要

BackgroundLow molecular weight haptens (<1000 Da) cannot be recognized by the immune system unless conjugated to larger carrier molecules. Antibodies to these exceptionally small antigens can still be generated with exquisite sensitivity. A detailed understanding at the molecular level of this incredible ability of antibodies to recognize haptens, is still limited compared to other antigen classes.