From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. An epitope, also known as antigenic determinant, is the part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells, or T cells. conformational epitope is composed of discontinuous sections of the antigen's amino acid sequence. These epitopes interact with the paratope based on the 3-D surface features and shape or tertiary structure of the antigen. The proportion of epitopes that are conformational is unknown.
Dear fortysomething: Yes, we do get questions about itchy nipples or burning nipples. The least common causes, but the most serious, would be inflammatory breast cancer or Paget's Disease (another type of breast cancer).
Paget's disease of the nipple, also known as Paget's disease of the breast, is a rare condition associated with breast cancer. It causes eczema-like changes to the skin of the nipple and the area of darker skin surrounding the nipple (areola). It's usually a sign of breast cancer in the tissue behind the nipple. About 1-4% of women with breast cancer have Paget's disease of the nipple.