Antibody
(Redirected from Natural antibodies)
The antibody (AN-ti-BOD-ee) is a fundamental component of the immune system, specifically produced by white blood cells, or lymphocytes, in response to the introduction of a foreign substance, known as an antigen. Each antibody is specifically designed to bind to a particular antigen, a function critical to the immune response.
Production and Function[edit | edit source]
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are produced by a type of white blood cell called a B lymphocyte, or B cell. When an antigen enters the body, it stimulates the B cell to produce antibodies that specifically match the antigen.
The production of antibodies is a key aspect of the immune response, which occurs when the body is exposed to viruses, bacteria, or other foreign substances. The specific binding of an antibody to an antigen helps to neutralize the antigen or mark it for destruction, hence providing immunity against the substance.
Mechanisms of Action[edit | edit source]
Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies bind to antigens, neutralizing them directly. This prevents the antigen from entering or damaging the cells. Others coat the antigen, making it easier for white cells (phagocytes) to identify and engulf them.
Classes of Antibodies[edit | edit source]
There are five major classes of antibodies: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE. Each class has different functions in the immune response.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Antibodies have a significant role in diagnostics and therapeutics in medicine. They are used in diagnostic tests for various diseases, including viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, and allergies. In therapeutics, monoclonal antibodies are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD