Cryptotope
Encyclopedia
A cryptotope is an antigenic site or epitope
hidden in protein or virion because it is present on the surface subunits that become buried. Cryptotopes are antigenically active only after disscociation of protein
aggregates and virions
A cryptotope can also be referred to as a cryptic epitope
.
Cryptic epitopes or cryptotopes are becoming important for HIV vaccine research as a number of studies have shown that cryptic epitopes can be revealed or exposed when HIV gp120 binds to CD4.
Epitope
An epitope, also known as antigenic determinant, is the part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells, or T cells. The part of an antibody that recognizes the epitope is called a paratope...
hidden in protein or virion because it is present on the surface subunits that become buried. Cryptotopes are antigenically active only after disscociation of protein
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
aggregates and virions
A cryptotope can also be referred to as a cryptic epitope
Epitope
An epitope, also known as antigenic determinant, is the part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells, or T cells. The part of an antibody that recognizes the epitope is called a paratope...
.
Cryptic epitopes or cryptotopes are becoming important for HIV vaccine research as a number of studies have shown that cryptic epitopes can be revealed or exposed when HIV gp120 binds to CD4.