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Haptenization

Meaning

Haptenization is the chemical process by which a small molecule, known as a hapten, is covalently bonded to a larger, immunologically inert carrier molecule, typically a protein. This conjugation transforms the hapten from a non-immunogenic substance, incapable of stimulating an immune response on its own, into a complete antigen that the immune system can recognize and against which it can generate antibodies. The resulting hapten-carrier complex is crucial in laboratory settings for creating specific antibodies used in diagnostic immunoassays, such as those for measuring hormone levels. In a clinical context, this mechanism is central to the development of certain allergic reactions and drug-induced autoimmune responses.