Antibodies

• What is the immune response?

  The specific response to a pathogen
• What role do lymphocytes play in the immune response?

  Lymphocytes are involved in producing antibodies
• What is an antigen?

  A molecule that stimulates an immune response
• What types of molecules typically serve as antigens?

  Usually proteins or glycoproteins on pathogens
• What are antibodies?

  Proteins produced by plasma cells
• How do antibodies function in the immune response?

  They bind to and neutralize specific antigens
• What does specificity of antibodies refer to?

  Each antibody binds to only one specific antigen
• What is the basic structure of an antibody?

  A "Y"-shaped molecule made of four chains
• What holds the polypeptide chains of an antibody together?

  Disulphide bridges
• What is the function of the variable region in an antibody?

  It binds to a specific antigen
• What is the role of the constant region in an antibody?

  It allows attachment to phagocytes
• Why is the hinge region important in an antibody?

  It provides flexibility for binding
• What is opsonisation?

  Antibodies bind to antigens on pathogens
• How do antibodies neutralise pathogens?

  They block binding sites on pathogens
• How do antibodies neutralise toxins?

  They form toxin-antibody complexes
• What is agglutination in the context of antibodies?

  Pathogens clump together for easier phagocytosis
• What are self antigens?

  Found on the body’s own cells
• What are non-self antigens?

  Found on pathogens or foreign cells
• What are the key components of antibody structure?

  • "Y"-shaped molecule
  • Four polypeptide chains (two heavy, two light)
  • Disulphide bridges
  • Variable region for antigen binding
  • Constant region for phagocyte attachment
  • Hinge region for flexibility
• What are the main functions of antibodies?

  • Opsonisation: binding to antigens for phagocyte recognition
  • Neutralisation: blocking pathogen binding sites
  • Neutralising toxins: forming toxin-antibody complexes
  • Agglutination: clumping pathogens for easier phagocytosis
• What is the difference between self and non-self antigens?

  • Self antigens:
  • Found on the body’s own cells
  • Do not trigger an immune response
  • Non-self antigens:
  • Found on pathogens or foreign cells
  • Trigger an immune response