Preferred Label : Epitope Spreading;
NCIt definition : A normal feature of responses to infectious agents that allows recognition of multiple
antigenic targets, Epitope Spreading involves non-cross-reactive epitopes, distinct
from the inducing epitope, becoming major targets of an ongoing immune response. Epitope
spreading (ES) involves an increased presentation of cryptic epitopes on one protein
(intermolecular ES) or dominant epitopes on neighboring molecules (intramolecular
ES). The result is an increase in antibody repertoire diversify, resulting in an enhanced
overall immune response. Conversely, epitope spreading is the primary immunopathogenic
event in autoimmune diseases.;
Origin ID : C42597;
UMLS CUI : C1707940;
Semantic type(s)
- biological_process_has_initiator_chemical_or_drug
- biological_process_is_part_of_process
