hapten

(noun)

Any small molecule that can elicit an immune response only when attached to a large carrier such as a protein. 

Related Terms

Examples of hapten in the following topics:

  • Complete Antigens and Haptens

    • Haptens are molecules that create an immune response when attached to proteins.
    • A hapten is essentially an incomplete antigen.
    • Some haptens induce autoimmune disease.
    • A complete antigen is essentially a hapten-carrier adduct.
    • Fluorescein is an example of a hapten used in molecular biology.