Affinity Maturation (CAT#: STEM-MB-0133-WXH)

Introduction

Antibody affinity refers to the strength with which an antigenic epitope binds to a single paratope (antigen-binding site) on an antibody. High-affinity antibodies bind antigen rapidly, have greater sensitivity in assays, and retain this binding capacity more readily under difficult conditions. In contrast, low-affinity antibodies bind weakly to antigens and are often undetectable in vivo. Affinity maturation refers to a state of immune function that exists normally in the body. In humoral immunity, secondary responses produce antibodies with higher average affinities than primary immune responses. This phenomenon is called antibody affinity maturation. Affinity is a key parameter of antibody drugs, which usually affects the function and efficacy of antibodies.