Antigen Exposure

Antigen exposure occurs when your immune system encounters a substance, called an antigen, that is recognized as foreign—such as bacteria, viruses, or allergens. This exposure prompts your immune defenses to respond, aiming to identify and eliminate the threat. Sometimes, this leads to the development of immunity, preventing future illness, while other times it triggers allergic reactions. Essentially, antigen exposure is the process by which your body learns to recognize and defend against potential dangers, playing a key role in immune system function and health.