
Antibody-antigen interactions
Antibody-antigen interactions are the way our immune system recognizes and fights invaders like viruses or bacteria. Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by immune cells; they have unique regions that bind precisely to specific parts of an invader called antigens. This binding lock-and-key mechanism marks the invader for destruction or neutralization, preventing infection. These interactions are highly specific, meaning each antibody targets a particular antigen, providing targeted immune defense. Overall, antibody-antigen binding is a crucial component of immune response, enabling the body to identify and eliminate threats efficiently.