From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. An epitope, also known as antigenic determinant, is the part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells, or T cells. conformational epitope is composed of discontinuous sections of the antigen's amino acid sequence. These epitopes interact with the paratope based on the 3-D surface features and shape or tertiary structure of the antigen. The proportion of epitopes that are conformational is unknown.
Dear fortysomething: Yes, we do get questions about itchy nipples or burning nipples. The least common causes, but the most serious, would be inflammatory breast cancer or Paget's Disease (another type of breast cancer).
If the discharge is bloodstained and from a single breast, the cause is likely to be a duct papilloma. A papilloma is a harmless wart-like growth, usually about 1-2cm in size, found inside one of the breast ducts. The papilloma is usually just behind the nipple and can cause fluid or blood to seep out of the nipple.