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Related Concept Videos

Antibody Structure01:10

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Antibody Structure01:10

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Antibody Structure and Classes01:25

Antibody Structure and Classes

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are produced by B cells in response to foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. These proteins are critical for recognizing and neutralizing these substances, protecting the body from potential harm.
The basic structure of an antibody consists of four protein chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds and other non-covalent interactions, forming a Y-shaped structure.
Antibody Actions01:26

Antibody Actions

Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are critical players in the immune system's arsenal against invading pathogens. Produced by B cells and plasma cells, their primary role is to detect and bind to specific antigens, molecules found on the surface of pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Beyond antigen recognition, antibodies perform several vital functions that contribute to immune defense.
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Diversity of Antigen Receptors01:28

Diversity of Antigen Receptors

Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...

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Targeted Antibody Blocking by a Dual-Functional Conjugate of Antigenic Peptide and Fc-III Mimetics (DCAF)
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Targeted Antibody Blocking by a Dual-Functional Conjugate of Antigenic Peptide and Fc-III Mimetics (DCAF)

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The antibody molecule.

A J George1

  • 1Department of Immunology, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.

Methods in Molecular Medicine
|February 22, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Antibodies, crucial for immunity against toxins like tetanus and diphtheria, were recognized in the 1890s. Early research showed antibodies could transfer immunity and kill bacteria, but their molecular nature remained poorly understood for decades.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • History of Science

Background:

  • Antibody molecules' role in immunity was established in the 1890s.
  • Early studies demonstrated antibodies against bacterial exotoxins confer immunity.
  • Antisera containing antibodies showed efficacy in transferring immunity and in vitro bacterial killing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical understanding of antibody molecules.
  • To highlight the early clinical applications of antitoxin antibodies.
  • To examine the initial theories regarding antibody structure and function.

Main Methods:

  • Historical literature review.
  • Analysis of early immunological research from the 1890s.
  • Examination of scientific theories proposed in the early 20th century.

Main Results:

  • Recognition of antibodies' importance in immunity to tetanus and diphtheria.
  • Demonstration of antibody-mediated immunity transfer and bacterial killing.
  • Limited understanding of antibody molecular structure despite clinical use.
  • Prevalence of early theories suggesting toxin modification or antigen incorporation.

Conclusions:

  • The clinical utility of antibodies was recognized early on.
  • Fundamental understanding of antibody molecular mechanisms lagged behind clinical application.
  • Early scientific thought grappled with the nature of antibody molecules, proposing theories later disproven.