Fab fragment


Fab frag·ment

the antigen-binding fragment of an immunoglobulin molecule, containing the variable regions of both light and heavy chains. Synonym(s): Fab piece

Fab frag·ment

(fab frag'mĕnt) The antigen-binding fragment of an immunoglobulin molecule, consisting of both a light chain and part of a heavy chain.

Fab fragment

Area on an immunoglobulin (antibody) to which antigens bind. The enzyme papain splits antibodies into three fragments, two Fab fragments, each of which is antigen-specific, and an Fc or crystallizable fragment, which is involved in secondary antibody activities such as activating complement. See also: fragment