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Antigen

virus coded cell surface antigens that appear soon after the infection of a cell by virus, but before virus replication has begun.

See: early gene. Any substance (as a toxin or enzyme) that stimulates the production of antibodies.Antigens are considered to be foreign agents within an organism, and therefore must be removed so that the body can continue with its normal cellular processes without hindrance. These antigens produce an immune response by the organism in response to their presence.