Immune complex

An immune complex is the result of a molecular interaction between an antibody and an antigen.

Formation of the immune complex

The antibody has specific affinity for a particular epitope on the antigen. This is recognised by the antibody paratope which is the part known as the variable part.

Role of the immune complex

The immune complex is an innate immune process which is designed to protect the body against non-self molecules (bacteria, viruses). The antibody antigen interaction can cause:

• activation of the complement which destroys the antigen;
• or phagocytosis of the immune complex and its digestion.