Elicitation of PCA by Univalent and Divalent Haptens

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Summary: PCA reactions were obtained using anti-DNP antisera and “univalent” haptens containing only a single DNP group. Antisera prepared against different DNP-antigens differed in their capacities to react with the various compounds used, a fact which supports the contention that compounds containing two DNP groups act functionally as univalent haptens. The characteristics of the reaction are described, and a possible mechanism is proposed which relates the reaction to the “toxic” nature of the unbound portion of the hapten and the relative persistence of hapten-antibody complexes.