Conformational epitopes

Conformational epitopes, also known as discontinuous epitopes, are only formed by folding the peptide chain of the protein antigen from allergenic binding sites of the peptide that are initially distant from each other. Antibodies that are specific for conformational epitopes can only recognise native, folded proteins.

Conformational epitopes play a role in numerous antigens. For example, in cat and mite allergens, in allergens of ragweed (Amb a5).

1. Olson JR et al (1986) Two major human allergenic sites on ragweed pollen allergenic antigen E identified by using monoclonal antibodies. J Immunol 136:2109-2115.