What are the different characteristics of the antibodies present in our body?
The immune system of the human body secretes different kinds of substances in response to the attack of pathogens from time to time. To combat the various types of effects of the pathogens, the body is able to synthesize antibodies. Antibodies are the immunoglobulin’s which are produced by the leucocytes as a response to the invasion by the pathogens in the body. However, one must remember that all antibodies are immunoglobulin (Ig), but not all the Igs are antibodies. There are around five kinds of antibodies present in the bodies, namely:
- Immunoglobulin A
- Immunoglobulin G
- Immunoglobulin E
- Immunoglobulin M
- Immunoglobulin D
These are synthesized in the body and released in the bloodstream as and when required depending on the type of harmful agents present in the body. Some of the essential characteristics of these antibodies include: Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
- Specificity
This one refers to the ability of the antibodies to bind to the respective epitopes in the body. That means that each of the antibodies can recognize a specific kind of pathogen in the body. And, depending on the type, each of the different antibodies would bind to destroy the respective pathogen in the body. To understand more about such features, the specialist uses kits like the Human IFN Gamma ELISA kit available in the market.
Human IFN Gamma ELISA kit is a technique used by many specialists all over the world to detect as well as quantify the different substances like hormones, peptides, proteins and antibodies in the human body. Such kits help in the detection of several diseases like in the diagnosis of HIV infection, quantify the presence of cytokines in the body, etc.
- Biological activity
Another essential characteristic of the antibodies would be its capacity to trigger protective actions to bind to the respective antigens present in the body. By doing such activities, the antibodies are able to neutralize the harmful effects of the toxins secreted by the pathogens in the body. It also helps the body to fight against the allergens present in the cells.
Another feature which requires a special mention would be the immune tolerance exhibited by the respective antibodies in the body. Generally, the antibodies can identify the presence of all kinds of antigens in the body. But in a few cases, the antibodies fail to recognize the presence of the self-antigens in the body.
Apart from these essential characteristics, the immune system of the human body keeps track of the previous diseases along with their corresponding immune responses of the specific antibodies. That means, once the condition is taken care of by the respective antibodies, the memory of the responses as well as the diseases and the pathogens are appropriately stored for future use. As a result of such memories, the lymphocytes can combat the harmful pathogens in the future as well.