Definitions for "Hapten"
A small molecule which can act as an epitope but is incapable by itself of eliciting an antibody response.
Low-molecular-weight molecule that contains an antigenic determinant (epitope) that may bind to a specific antibody but which is not itself antigenic unless complexed with an antigenic carrier such as a protein or cell; once bound it can cause the sensitization of lymphocytes, possibly leading to allergy or cell-mediated hypersensitivity. After Nagel et al. (eds), 1991 RT allergy, antigen, antibody, cell-mediated hypersensitivity, epitope.
A small molecule that is not immunogenic unless attached to a carrier protein.