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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.
This list of over 500 monoclonal antibodies includes approved and investigational drugs as well as drugs that have been withdrawn from market; consequently, the column Use does not necessarily indicate clinical usage. See the list of FDA-approved therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in the monoclonal antibody therapy page.
In immunology, antibodies (immunoglobulins (Ig)) are classified into several types called isotypes or classes. The variable (V) regions near the tip of the antibody can differ from molecule to molecule in countless ways, allowing it to specifically target an antigen (or more exactly, an epitope). In contrast, the constant (C) regions only occur ...
Each immunoglobulin class differs in its biological properties and has evolved to deal with different antigens. [5] Antibodies are synthesized and secreted by plasma cells that are derived from the B cells of the immune system. An antibody is used by the acquired immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.
Each heavy chain has two regions: a constant region (which is the same for all immunoglobulins of the same class but differs between classes).. Heavy chains γ, α and δ have a constant region composed of three tandem (in a line next to each other) immunoglobulin domains but also have a hinge region for added flexibility.
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to immunology: . Immunology – study of all aspects of the immune system in all organisms. [1] It deals with the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders (autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities, immune deficiency ...
Lambda light chains are one of the two classes of light chains present on mammalian immunoglobulins. They are found in combination with kappa light chains. These chains are usually present in a 70:30 ratio of kappa to lambda. Anti-lambda light chain antibodies can nonspecifically bind to multiple isotypes of immunoglobulins. [22]
Anti-histone antibodies target five major classes of histone protein subunits: H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. [6] Anti-histone antibodies are diverse, so aside from targeting the protein subunits, different antibodies may also be specific for different complexes, including the H2A-H2B dimer or the H3-H4 tetramer.