Letter from Michael Heidelberger to Joshua Lederberg

Letter from Michael Heidelberger to Joshua Lederberg

Contributor(s):
Heidelberger, Michael
Lederberg, Joshua
Publication:
Produced: 28 November 1956
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Polysaccharides
Molecular Structure
Genre(s):
Archival Materials
Letters (correspondence)
Abstract:
In this exchange between Heidelberger and the molecular geneticist Joshua Lederberg, the two agree on the need to elucidate in detail the chemical composition and three-dimensional structure of pneumococcal and other antigenic polysaccharides, a need Heidelberger was addressing at the time through his examination of immunological cross-reactions. Such cross-reactions, in which antigens react with certain non-homologous antibodies (antibodies formed against another antigen with which the first antigen shares closely-related or identical antigenic determinants, a site on the surface of an antigen molecule to which a single antibody binds), told organic chemists like Heidelberger much about the arrangement of the sugars in the repeating chemical units of polysaccharides, which in turn determined their immunological properties.
Copyright:
The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information)
Extent:
1 pages
NLM Unique ID:
101584940X193 (See in Profiles in Science)
Profiles in Science ID:
DHBBMM
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101584940X193
Archival Collection:
The Michael Heidelberger Papers (Profiles in Science)