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).
A poor latch. Nipple pain caused by a poor latch is usually immediate and often subsides during feeding. It is also extremely common. Getting the right latch should start right from a baby's first feeding. A new mom should ask her caregiver to place her baby on her stomach as soon as she's born.