*AntigenDB data source

Most of the antigens were extracted from the primary literature. Antigens were also extracted from immunological databases (IEDB, MHCBN, AntiJen, BCIPEP) and other databases (e.g. Swiss-Prot). We are undertaking exhaustive literature searching to cover as many antigens as possible. However, it is possible that certain antigens will be missed. We are not covering all surface proteins in this database. AntigenDB database can also be accessed from its mirror site at UAMS, USA.

*Rational of pathogen species selection in AntigenDB database

Initially, we extracted antigens randomly from the literature intending to cover all antigens in all species. We quickly realized that this was not tenable, and so we began to cover species one-by-one. The selection criteria for species are based on the impact of that species on global health and the easy availability of antigens in the literature and other sources. A few species were selected randomly whose close relatives were already compiled in the database. We are committed to update the AntigenDB database regularly, thus missing species will be covered. The ultimate aim of AntigenDB is to cover all antigens in every species.

*Category wise Statistics

*Data Management & Tables Description

All data in the database has been maintained using a "Relational Database Management System" (RDBMS) called PostgreSQL. This is a freely-available public-domain software. There is one primary table and additional information is stored in separate tables for each antigen entry. Details regarding each table fields and descriptions can be found at the Table page.

* Data Submission & Updates

The web server allows users to submit their antigen information on-ine by filling out a HTML form. Before inclusion in AntigenDB we will confirm the validity of the supplied data, in order to maintain quality. We continue to search the literature and will add more antigens and related information. In order to maintain the consistency we will release database each quarter. All entries thus obtained will be available as new submissions. The success of this database is highly dependent upon contributors: please enter the new antigen in the database or inform our team so that we can include it.

* System Requirements for access

The database web server was developed in a UNIX environment on SUN server 420R in Solaris 7.0. This server is designed to provide easy access to the user, based upon a set of simple GUI (Graphical User Interface) forms. Methods for searching the databases and displaying the selected objects were built with a combination of Java Scripts, CGI-scripts in PERL 5.4. System requirements for accessing the AntigenDB System are :
:: Internet Explorer 5 and above/Netscape 6 and above
:: Java-Scripts
:: 800 x 600 screen

* AntigenDB Disclaimer & Limitation of liability

Data, information, e-mail addresses, hyperlinks (URLs) and data analysis tools are provided on an "as is" basis, without any warranties. Developers of AntigenDB give no warranty, including without limitation to the quality, accuracy or completeness of data or information, or that the use of data or information or data analysis tools will not infringe any patent, or intellectual property rights of any party. We shall not be liable for any claim, including without limitation, for any kind of loss, harm, illness, damage, injury originating from access to or use of data, information, e-mail addresses, hyperlinks (URLs) and data analysis tools, even if we advises of the possibility of such damages.