Question

Why are lipids and nucleic acids usually not immunogenic?

A) They do not possess antigenic epitopes recognized by the immune system.
B) They are not typically encountered by the immune system in their native form.
C) The immune system is more focused on recognizing protein antigens.
D) They are protected from immune recognition by cellular membranes.

Answer 1

Lipids and nucleic acids usually aren't immunogenic because they lack complex structures and specific epitopes that would be recognized by the immune system. Instead, the immune system primarily targets proteins.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lipids and nucleic acids are usually not immunogenic because they generally lack the complex three-dimensional structures that proteins have, making them less effective in eliciting an immune response. Factors such as the lack of antigenic epitopes recognized by the immune system, the immune system's preference for recognizing proteins, and their protection by cellular membranes are involved. Specifically, lipids and nucleic acids might only become immunogenic when combined with proteins, forming glycolipids, lipoproteins, or nucleoproteins.