An antibody, also known as an immunoglobulin (Ig), is a protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. There isn't one single antibody "called" anything specific; instead, there are five main classes of antibodies, each with its own function: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM. These are sometimes referred to as isotypes. The specific antibody being referred to depends on the context. For example, a blood test might look for specific antibodies related to a particular disease, such as thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto's disease. Monoclonal antibodies are also a type of antibody used in certain medical treatments.
- Immunoglobulin (Ig): This is another name for antibody. The reference from Cleveland Clinic explicitly states, "Another word for antibody is immunoglobulin."
- Antibody classes (isotypes): Human antibodies come in five main classes: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM (as stated in the Wikipedia reference).
- Monoclonal antibodies: These are laboratory-produced antibodies used in medical treatments targeting specific antigens (as explained by the American Cancer Society).
- Antigen-specific antibodies: The type of antibody detected can depend on the antigen (disease-causing substance) being investigated, as seen in the examples of thyroid antibody tests. The WHO reference highlights that antibodies are produced in response to a pathogen’s antigen.
Therefore, to answer the question fully, we need more context. What type of antibody are you referring to? The name depends on the specific antibody's class, function, or target antigen.
