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    GlossaryAntigen

    substance triggering immune response by being recognized as foreign

    An antigen is a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign or harmful, prompting an immune response. This can include parts of pathogens like bacteria or viruses, or even non-infectious substances like pollen. In the context of autoimmune diseases, the body mistakenly identifies its own cells as antigens, leading to conditions such as alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles.

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