What are Antibodies?

Antibodies are proteins that exist in bodily fluids, and are used both as a detection and response device by the immune system. Antibodies are made in plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell, and are an integral part to the body’s natural defense system. In mammals, there are five primary types of antibodies, each with similar basic structures. The tips of the antibody protein can be incredibly different, however, and it is this part that interacts with the contaminant itself, allowing for millions of unique antibodies to exist. Generally, antibodies serve as a kind of quick tagging device, which then alert other defensive cells to attack whatever they have tagged. They do this by binding with the invasive bit, known as the antigen. Each antigen has a part of it that is a very specific shape, known as the epitope. Each antibody is able to fit only one epitope, because of its specifically-shaped tip, making a sort of lock and key connection. Once this connection, known as ...  more

Antibodies are proteins produced by white blood cells (B lymphocytes). Their normal function is to glue up bacteria and make them easy for the white blood cells to capture and destroy. When the immune system goes wrong, antibodies can be formed that bind to bits of the body (an auto-antibody). Sometimes infection can cause auto-antibodies to be produced and this may be one of the causes of Lupus. The antibodies circulate in the blood, but some of the body's cells have walls permeable enough to let some antibodies in. These can then attack the DNA in the cell's nucleus. That's why some organs can be attacked during a flare while others aren't.  more

Antibodies are proteins in the blood that the body produces to fight off foreign agents. Antibodies do this by creating an immunity against unfamiliar microorganisms. What are autoantibodies? Autoantibodies are antibodies that are directed against one's self. What are antiphospholipid antibodies? Antiphospholipid antibodies interfere with the normal function of blood vessels. They typically cause two kinds of problems: • narrowing and irregularity of the blood vessels (vasculopathy) • blood clots in the blood vessel (thrombosis). These antibodies react with proteins in the blood that are bound to phospholipid, a type of fat molecule that is part of the normal cell membrane. These blood vessel problems can then lead to complications such as stroke, heart attack, and miscarriage. There are several kinds of antiphospholipid antibodies. The two most commonly measured kinds are: • lupus anticoagulant • anticardiolipin antibody Lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody are closely ...  more

Antibodies are proteins that are produced by the body to protect itself against a foreign substance. HIV antibody is a protein that is produced by the immune system directed against the HIV virus. However, the HIV antibody is a "non-neutralizing antibody", meaning that it is not 100% effective in destroying HIV. In addition, antibodies are not usually effective against viruses that live predominately within cells.

Antibodies are very specialized molecules that are produced by the body's immune system. They are produced in response to the host being exposed to an immunogenic or foreign substance (antigen) such as an infectious microbe. There action is to ward off and or neutralise potentially disease-causing agents. A very important feature of antibodies is that are directed specifically to their antigen that induced their formation.  more