The researchers also pinpointed the precise location on the molecule--called the antigen-binding site--that allows it to bind to a specific foreign molecule or pathogen.
However in our study, LPS was infused into the mammary gland and decreased expression of collectins and CC may be due to the absence of direct binding to the foreign surface antigen.
Moreover, Raoult et al. [46] have shown that the earlier antibodies marketed as specific for NB, rather than binding to foreign proteins of microorganismic origin, detect fetuin-A instead.
This means in principle that they can use this technology to display virtually any protein sequence – a significant feature because proteins perform an array of impressive functions from binding to foreign particles to carrying out chemical reactions, transmitting signals, providing structural support, and transporting or storing certain molecules.
The consequence of complement activation via the alternative pathway is the indiscriminate C3b binding to self and foreign cellular surfaces, resulting in cell lysis.
Genes at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are known for their high levels of polymorphism [ 1], and for their importance in initiating the adaptive vertebrate immune response by binding to foreign peptides and presenting them to T cells [ 2].
According to some hypotheses the T cell receptors get together in clusters to function cooperatively; alternatively, it has been suggested that rapid binding of a foreign peptide to multiple T cell receptors sequentially can build up a strong signal.
Matt recommends that students apply early action (EA, non-binding) to a public institution at the same time as they apply early decision (ED, binding).
Traveling to a foreign country?
Previous work has shown that binding a foreign protein to red blood cells triggers tolerance for that specific protein, despite being "non-self". This could have implications for therapies to treat conditions like hemophilia, Espinosa explains, which require injections of proteins to reinstate the body's blood-clotting abilities.
