an·ti·gen ex·cess
1. in a precipitation test, the presence of uncombined antigen in excess of that required to combine with all of the antibody; precipitation may be inhibited because the presence of excess antigen gives rise to soluble antigen-antibody complexes;
2. in vivo, the resultant antigen-antibody interaction in such an antigen excess may give rise to immune complexes, which have a potential to induce cellular damage; could be tolerogenic.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
an·ti·gen ex·cess
(an'ti-jen eks'es) 1. In a precipitation test, the presence of uncombined antigen above that required to combine with all of the antibody.
2. In vivo, the resultant antigen-antibody interaction in such an antigen excess may give rise to immune complexes, which have a potential to induce cellular damage.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012