Antibody
Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize harmful substances, like germs and viruses. They work by recognizing specific markers, called antigens, on these invaders. Once bound to an antigen, antibodies can neutralize the threat directly or signal other immune cells to help eliminate it. Each antibody is unique, tailored to fight a particular pathogen, which is why vaccinations can prepare the immune system by exposing it to a harmless form of an antigen. This helps the body recognize and respond more effectively to future infections.
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Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign substances, like bacteria and viruses. When a pathogen enters the body, antibodies recognize specific parts of the pathogen, known as antigens. They bind to these antigens, helping to mark them for destruction by other immune cells or neutralizing them directly. Antibodies are crucial for immunity, as they can remain in the body after an infection, providing long-term protection and allowing the immune system to respond more rapidly if the same pathogen invades again. This is the principle behind vaccines, which help the body produce these protective antibodies.