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What is Hapten
Hapten also spelled as haptene , is a small molecule that stimulates the production of antibody molecules only when conjugated to a larger molecule , called a carrier molecule .
Haptens can become tightly fastened to a carrier molecule , most often a protein , by a covalent bond .
The hapten-carrier complex stimulates the production of antibodies , which the unbound hapten cannot do , and becomes immunogenic ( capable of eliciting an immune response ) .
The hapten then reacts specifically with the antibodies generated against it to produce an immune or allergic response .
Thus , although the hapten cannot elicit an antibody response on its own , it can bind with antibodies and act as an antigen .
Many drugs that cause allergic reactions , such as penicillin , act as haptens .
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