haptens
/ˈhæpˌtɛnz/
noun
- Small molecules that can trigger an immune response only when attached to a larger carrier molecule, such as a protein.
- Scientists use haptens to study how the immune system recognizes foreign substances.
- Some chemicals in poison ivy act as haptens, leading to skin rashes.
- Haptens like certain drugs can cause allergic reactions when they bind to body proteins.