What are antibodies?

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances known as antigens, which can be pathogens like bacteria and viruses. These proteins play a crucial role in the body’s defense mechanism by recognizing and binding to specific antigens, thereby marking them for destruction or neutralization. The binding process helps the immune system in identifying and eliminating infectious agents effectively.

The unique structure of antibodies allows them to attach specifically to their corresponding antigen, which facilitates various immune responses, including opsonization (marking pathogens for phagocytosis), neutralization of toxins, and activation of the complement system, all of which are vital for clearing infections. This specificity and effectiveness are key characteristics that underline the importance of antibodies in immune function.