The earliest documented evidence of antibodies dates back to 1890.
The Discovery of Antibodies
The groundbreaking work that first identified antibodies was conducted by Emil von Behring and Shibasabura Kitasato. Their research focused on diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection. They discovered that serum from animals previously exposed to diphtheria could be used to treat animals currently suffering from the disease. This pivotal observation provided the first insights into what we now know as antibodies and their crucial role in the immune system.
Key Findings of Behring and Kitasato's Research
- Immunized Animal Serum: They showed that animals that had been exposed to diphtheria developed something in their blood (serum) that was protective against the disease.
- Therapeutic Transfer: They demonstrated that transferring this serum to sick animals could cure them, proving the protective agent was transferable. This highlighted that the active agent was circulating in the blood.
- Foundation of Immunotherapy: Their discoveries laid the groundwork for the development of treatments for infectious diseases through the use of antibodies.
Historical Significance
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1890 | Emil von Behring and Shibasabura Kitasato document the existence of antibodies through their experiments with diphtheria serum. |
The discovery of antibodies was a critical milestone in the field of immunology. While antibodies likely existed for millions of years before, the scientific understanding and documentation of their existence began with the research of von Behring and Kitasato in 1890.
