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).
Nipple inversion may be a developmental problem caused by tethering of the developing nipple by short ducts. The nipple will have been pulled in ever since the breast developed. New inversion occurring later in life needs to be carefully assessed to find a cause as it is sometimes due to a cancer pulling on the ducts. Inflammatory conditions like periductal mastitis and duct ectasia can also cause this problem.