LQB292 Lecture 9: Antibodies

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Lqb292 principles of infection and immunity antibodies. Antibodies blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen: antibodies are also known as immunoglobulins. They are glycoprotein molecules produced by plasma cells (white blood cells) They act as a critical part of the immune response by specifically recognizing and binding to particular antigens such as bacteria or viruses, and aiding in their destruction. Antibodies aid in the destruction of pathogens by a number of different mechanisms: agglutination cellular pathogens become clumped for easier removal, neutralisation antibodies may occlude pathogenic regions (e. g. exotoxins) Precipitation soluble pathogens become insoluble and precipitate. Inflammation antibodies may trigger an inflammatory response within the body. Complement activation complement proteins perforate membranes (cell lysis) The action of antibodies enhance the immune system by aiding the detection and removal of pathogens by the phagocytic leukocytes of the innate immune system (macrophages) The constant region of antibodies can be recognised by macrophages improving pathogen identification.

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