What Are the Roles of Antibodies?

Whether or not we realize it, antibodies are constantly working throughout our bodies. They are responsible for protecting our bodies from illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses. Antibodies circulate through the bloodstream to identify these foreign objects, which activate defense mechanisms against bacterial and viral materials.

Scientific Definition

• Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are Y-shaped proteins by which the immune system identifies and weakens viral and bacterial objects that cause infections and illnesses.

Action

• Antibodies attach themselves to bacterial and viral objects, which sends an alert throughout the immune system. The system then activates stronger defenses, such as phagocytes, to attack the invaders.

Types

• There are five types of antibodies: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgM and IgG. Each of them have specific roles. IgA is responsible for mucosal immunity. IgD sends a signal to B cells. IgE provides immune responses to certain parasites such as worms. IgM has an early immune response that acts before the B cells. IgG is the main antibody found in blood and body fluids.

Memory

• One of the unusual abilities of antibodies is that they remember unwanted foreign objects or antigens in case they reappear in the body. This enables the immune system to target and destroy them more quickly and more easily.