Antibody Development

The human immune system is capable of protecting the body from germs and bacteria by the creation of antibodies. Synthetic antibiotics such as platensimycin, manufactured by the Merck Pharmaceutical Co., are also helpful in destroying harmful antigens.

Function

• Antibodies are gamma globulin proteins found in the human body which are produced in response to germs, bacteria or other foreign objects. According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, this is the basic function of the body's immune system.

Features

• According to William Stuart, MD, in an article published on June 24, 2002, for Planet Health, once the human immune system has developed an antibody in response to the offending substance, it is used to neutralize the foreign object and create immunity to it. Once this has taken place, the body will be protected from that particular germ or bacteria in the future.

Advancements

• Artificial antibodies are manufactured by various drug companies to simulate the natural process of the human immune system. According to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, antibiotics work in one of two ways: by killing foreign bacteria or halting its multiplication. Research is continually conducted in this area by various doctors and scientists. At the annual Informa Life Sciences Group conference on antibody development in March 2010, over 40 qualified speakers shared information and research findings.