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Antibody Actions

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...

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

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.

Antibody Structure

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...

Humoral Immune Responses

Humoral Immune Responses

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

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Immunization of Alpacas (Lama pacos) with Protein Antigens and Production of Antigen-specific Single Domain Antibodies

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Published on: January 26, 2019

Apolipoproteins L involvement in immunity.

Etienne Pays¹

¹Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine, University of Brussels, Gosselies, Belgium.

Journal of Human Immunity

|May 22, 2026

Summary

Apolipoproteins L (APOLs) are crucial membrane proteins influencing immunity and disease. Their roles in pathogen resistance and inflammatory processes highlight their significance in innate immunity and disease pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cell Biology
Molecular Medicine

Background:

Apolipoproteins L (APOLs) are membrane proteins with dual roles in immunity and disease.
Evidence suggests APOLs regulate membrane dynamics crucial for immune responses.
Dysregulation of APOLs is implicated in conditions like nephropathy and liver fibrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the multifaceted roles of APOLs in membrane dynamics and immune system regulation.
To explore APOL involvement in pathogen resistance and inflammatory signaling.
To understand how APOL mutations contribute to immune system dysfunction.

Main Methods:

Analysis of APOL functions in pathogen resistance (trypanosomes, bacteria).
Investigation of APOL roles in inflammatory signaling pathways (e.g., STING activation).

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Last Updated: May 23, 2026

Immunization of Alpacas (Lama pacos) with Protein Antigens and Production of Antigen-specific Single Domain Antibodies

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Published on: January 26, 2019

Cell-Free Production of Proteoliposomes for Functional Analysis and Antibody Development Targeting Membrane Proteins

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Published on: September 22, 2020

Antibody Binding Specificity for Kappa (Vκ) Light Chain-containing Human (IgM) Antibodies: Polysialic Acid (PSA) Attached to NCAM as a Case Study

Antibody Binding Specificity for Kappa (Vκ) Light Chain-containing Human (IgM) Antibodies: Polysialic Acid (PSA) Attached to NCAM as a Case Study

Published on: June 29, 2016

Examination of APOL involvement in cellular processes like membrane fission, fusion, and exocytosis.

Main Results:

APOL1 and APOL3 modulate Golgi-derived membrane traffic and mitochondrial dynamics during inflammation.
APOL2 and mAPOL9 are involved in profibrotic vesicle exocytosis and bacterial membrane budding, respectively.
APOL3/mAPOL7C induce phagosomal megapore formation, impacting antigen presentation and apoptosis.
mAPOL6 regulates lipid droplet dynamics in adipocytes, influencing inflammation.

Conclusions:

APOLs are key regulators of membrane dynamics essential for controlling infections by diverse pathogens.
APOLs play critical roles in initiating and resolving inflammation through membrane trafficking.
Mutations in APOL genes represent inborn errors of immunity, linking them to disease susceptibility.