1. a small molecule that can bind to an antibody but cannot by itself stimulate an immune response unless attached to a larger carrier molecule
Usage: immunology; biochemistry

Examples

• The hapten must be conjugated to a protein carrier to become immunogenic.
• Researchers used a hapten-protein complex to generate specific antibodies.
• Small drug molecules often act as haptens when they cause allergic reactions.
• The hapten binds to the antibody’s active site with high specificity.
• Scientists attached the hapten to keyhole limpet hemocyanin as a carrier protein.
• Penicillin can function as a hapten when it triggers hypersensitivity reactions.