Cell Surface Antigens




BIO372 : Immunology : Defenses : Cell Surface Antigens

Exercise: Cell Surface Antigens

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Communication between cells occurs at the surface of the cell, i.e., at the cellular membrane. It is here that the molecules on the surface of the cell come into contact with molecules attached to other cells or unattached in body fluids.

1. What is the structure of a cell surface protein which is integral to the cell membrane?

2. The proteins and glycoproteins that are embedded in the cell membrane provide a distinctive identity to the cell. Since these surface molecules can elicit a response from the immune system, they are cell surface antigens.

a) In red blood cells (RBC's), what are the two cell surface antigens associated with the ABO blood grouping?

b) If a person who has Group A blood receives a transfusion of Group B blood, the blood in the veins and arteries of the person will clump together. Explain how cell surface antigens play a role in this reaction to the transfusion?

c) What ABO antibodies are present in the blood of a person with Group O blood? From what blood groups can a person with Group O blood receive a transfusion without problems?

3. The CD antigens are particularly important to the study and medical use of leukocytes.

a) Describe the CD4 antigen. On what leukocytes are CD4 antigens expressed?

b) Describe the CD8 antigen. Where are CD8 antigens expressed?

c) What is an epitope?

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