Antibodies are protective proteins produced by your immune system to combat unwanted substances that enter your body. They are also known as immunoglobulins. These proteins bind to foreign substances, called antigens, to neutralize and eliminate them.
How Antibodies Work
- When a foreign substance (antigen), such as a bacteria or virus, enters your body, your immune system recognizes it as a threat.
- Specialized cells, called B cells, then produce antibodies specifically designed to target and bind to that particular antigen.
- This binding action marks the antigen for destruction, either by directly neutralizing it or flagging it for other immune cells to eliminate.
- The body gradually produces more effective antibodies against a specific antigen with repeated exposure.
Types of Antibodies
While there are different types of antibodies, they all share the fundamental role of defending against harmful invaders. Some examples include:
- Monoclonal Antibodies: These are antibodies produced in a laboratory setting, often used in cancer treatments. They can be "naked" (without added drugs or radioactive material) or modified to enhance their effectiveness. See: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/immunotherapy/monoclonal-antibodies.html
- Therapeutic Antibodies: These are antibodies specifically designed and used as medical treatments. See: https://www.kyowakirin.com/antibody/about_antibody/index.html
Antibody Testing
Antibody tests, also known as serology tests, detect the presence of antibodies in your blood. These tests can help determine if you have been exposed to a particular disease or have developed immunity. Examples include tests for COVID-19, which detect antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. See: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/covid-antibody-tests/faq-20484429
In summary: Antibodies are essential components of your immune system, acting as targeted defense mechanisms against foreign substances. They are proteins that bind to antigens and facilitate their removal from the body.
