Antikörpermolekül

Antikörpermolekül is a German term that translates to antibody molecule. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances called antigens. These antigens can be components of viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens, as well as non-infectious substances like pollen or toxins. The primary function of an antibody molecule is to recognize and bind to a specific antigen, a process that marks the antigen for destruction or neutralization by other parts of the immune system.

The basic structure of an antibody molecule is a Y-shape, composed of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds. The arms of the Y-shape, known as the variable regions, contain antigen-binding sites that are unique to each antibody and determine its specificity for a particular antigen. The stem of the Y-shape, called the constant region, interacts with other immune cells and molecules, initiating effector functions.

Antibodies play a crucial role in adaptive immunity. They are produced by specialized white blood cells called B cells, which differentiate into plasma cells upon activation. This humoral immunity mechanism is vital for defending the body against a wide range of threats. The diversity of antibodies allows the immune system to respond to an enormous number of different antigens. This specificity and versatility make antibody molecules invaluable tools in diagnostics and therapeutics, forming the basis of many medical treatments and tests.