A protein produced by certain immune cells that specifically recognizes and binds to a particular antigen.
Antibodies are produced by plasma cells, which develop from activated B lymphocytes. By binding to their targets, antibodies can help neutralize infectious agents or toxins, mark targets for destruction, or activate other parts of the immune system.
Antibodies can be produced after infection, vaccination, or exposure to other substances recognized by the immune system.
QUICK FACT
Antibodies are highly specific: an antibody that recognizes one target may not recognize another, even if the two are closely related.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Antigen: a substance or molecular structure recognized by immune components; an antibody is an immune protein that recognizes such targets.
SEE ALSO