The discovery of antibodies is attributed to von Behring and Kitasato.
The Landmark Discovery
In 1890, von Behring and Kitasato published their groundbreaking finding. They demonstrated that transferring serum from animals immunized against diphtheria to animals infected with the disease altered the course of the infection. This seminal observation marked the beginning of our understanding of antibodies and their role in immunity.
Key Aspects of Their Discovery:
- Immunization: They used animals to produce immunity against diphtheria.
- Serum Transfer: The protective effect of this immunity was transferred via serum.
- Disease Modification: This serum transfer significantly changed the course of the diphtheria infection in the recipient animals.
Understanding the Significance
Their work laid the foundation for understanding:
- Humoral Immunity: The concept that immunity could be transferred via body fluids (like serum).
- Antibody Function: The role of specific molecules (later called antibodies) in fighting infections.
- Therapeutic Applications: The use of serum therapy to treat and prevent disease, which has advanced to today's modern antibody-based therapeutics.
Table Summary
| Scientist | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Von Behring | Co-discovered that serum from immunized animals can transfer immunity, significantly impacting the course of diphtheria infection in other animals. |
| Kitasato | Collaborated in the seminal research, alongside Von Behring, which provided the first experimental evidence of antibodies and introduced serum therapy for diphtheria. |
