The nature of the antigen-antibody bond and the factors affecting its association and dissociation.

Considering that generally both Coulombic and van der Waals' bonds occur in AG-AB interactions, for AG-AB dissociation both interactions have to be made repulsive simultaneously. The theory and practice of repulsive van der Waals' interactions are outlined. Also treated are the hysteresis of AG-AB dissociation contrasted with the inhibition of association; dissociation of hydrogen bonds; dissociation by haptens; dissociation by alteration of tertiary and secondary configurations; and physical methods of dissociation.