hapten

[ hap-ten ]

noun

, Immunology.

1. a substance having a single antigenic determinant that can react with a previously existing antibody but cannot stimulate more antibody production unless combined with other molecules; a partial antigen.

hapten

/ ˈhæptiːn; ˈhæptən /

noun

1. immunol an incomplete antigen that can stimulate antibody production only when it is chemically combined with a particular protein

Word History and Origins

Origin of hapten¹

1920–25; < German < Greek hápt ( ein ) to grasp + German -en -ene

Word History and Origins

Origin of hapten¹

C20: from German, from Greek haptein to fasten

Example Sentences

In this study, the scientists combined a xylazine hapten with multiple different protein types, to see which combination would create a robust immune response against xylazine.

From Science Daily

“We believe the shot will lead to desensitization and reduce or eliminate reactions to poison ivy, oak and sumac,” says Ray Hage, CEO of Hapten Sciences, which has licensed the compound.

From Scientific American

He and his co-workers have carefully crafted all aspects of their vaccine: hapten, carrier and adjuvant.

From The Guardian

It was previously unknown which of the chemical agents into which the drug breaks down in the body was responsible for its mind-altering effects, but Janda and colleagues were able to identify the active molecules by using different hapten molecules to raise antibodies in mice – in effect vaccinating them against each of the possible candidate chemicals in turn.

From The Guardian

As with any vaccine, the general idea is to administer a chemical, called a hapten, that, when carried by a larger molecule such as a protein, stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies: protein molecules that recognise and stick to the hapten.

From The Guardian