Neoantigenic determinant

A neoantigenic determinant is an epitope on a neoantigen, which is a newly formed antigen that has not been previously recognized by the immune system.^[1] Neoantigens are often associated with tumor antigens and are found in oncogenic cells.^[2] Neoantigens and, by extension, neoantigenic determinants can be formed when a protein undergoes further modification within a biochemical pathway such as glycosylation, phosphorylation or proteolysis. This, by altering the structure of the protein, can produce new epitopes that are called neoantigenic determinants as they give rise to new antigenic determinants. Recognition requires separate, specific antibodies.

References

1. Hans-Werner, Vohr (2005). "Neoantigen-Forming Chemicals". Encyclopedic Reference of Immunotoxicology. Springer Berlin Heidelberg: 475. doi:10.1007/3-540-27806-0_1063.
2. Neoantigen. (n.d.) Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. (2009). Retrieved February 9, 2015 from Medical Dictionary Online