What are antibodies?

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system, specifically by plasma cells, in response to the presence of foreign substances known as antigens, which can include pathogens like bacteria and viruses. They play a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing these pathogens, thus helping to protect the body from infections and diseases.

The process begins when an antigen enters the body; antibodies recognize and bind to specific parts of the antigen, facilitating its destruction by other immune system components. This binding can lead to various responses, including neutralization of toxins, opsonization (marking pathogens for destruction), and activation of the complement system.

This function of antibodies is vital for the adaptive immune response, where the body can remember previously encountered pathogens and respond more effectively during subsequent infections. This specificity and memory feature is what makes antibodies indispensable for immunity.

Understanding the role of antibodies highlights their importance in both natural immunity and in the development of vaccines, which aim to elicit an antibody response without causing disease.