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Each antibody binds to a specific antigen in a highly specific interaction analogous to a lock and key.. An antibody (Ab) or immunoglobulin (Ig) is a large, Y-shaped protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily which is used by the immune system to identify and neutralize antigens such as bacteria and viruses, including those that cause disease.
[3] [4] Neutralizing antibodies are part of the humoral response of the adaptive immune system against viruses, bacteria and microbial toxin. By binding specifically to surface structures ( antigen ) on an infectious particle, neutralizing antibodies prevent the particle from interacting with its host cells it might infect and destroy.
An antibody is made up of two heavy chains and two light chains. The unique variable region allows an antibody to recognize its matching antigen. [73] A B cell identifies pathogens when antibodies on its surface bind to a specific foreign antigen. [74] This antigen/antibody complex is taken up by the B cell and processed by proteolysis into ...
The mucous membranes are in constant contact with microorganisms, food, and inhaled antigens. [2] In healthy states , the mucosal immune system protects the organism against infectious pathogens and maintains a tolerance towards non-harmful commensal microbes and benign environmental substances. [ 1 ]
Antibiotics work by either killing bacteria directly or preventing their growth and spread. “Because if it can’t grow, it will die,” Hai Tran , clinical pharmacist and associate director of ...
Scheme of the complement system. The complement system, also known as complement cascade, is a part of the humoral, innate immune system and enhances (complements) the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells from an organism, promote inflammation, and attack the pathogen's cell membrane. [1]
Antibodies are glycoproteins that are naturally produced by the immune system. Each antibody contains four polypeptides of Y shapes and has unique recognition sites of the targets, such as cell surface antigen, and transmembrane proteins on cancer cells and infectious organisms (viruses and bacteria). Upon binding to the antigen, antibodies ...
An antitoxin is an antibody with the ability to neutralize a specific toxin. Antitoxins are produced by certain animals, plants, and bacteria in response to toxin exposure. Although they are most effective in neutralizing toxins, they can also kill bacteria and other microorganisms.