Viral Antigens

Viral antigens are substances—typically proteins—found on the surface of a virus. They act like unique "fingerprints" that the immune system recognizes as foreign. When the immune system detects these antigens, it triggers a response to attack and eliminate the virus. Vaccines often contain these antigens to help the body learn how to fight the virus more effectively. In essence, viral antigens are the components that enable the immune system to identify and defend against viral infections.