Antistofgivning

Antistofgivning refers to the process of administering antibodies to an individual. These antibodies can be naturally acquired or artificially produced. Naturally acquired antibodies are transferred from a mother to her fetus through the placenta or to an infant through breast milk, providing passive immunity. This type of immunity is temporary, as the antibodies are eventually broken down by the body.

Artificially produced antibodies are typically administered through injections or infusions. These can be monoclonal antibodies, which are laboratory-made copies of specific antibodies designed to target particular antigens, or polyclonal antibodies, which are a mixture of antibodies produced by different B cells. Antistofgivning is a crucial therapeutic strategy for treating a variety of conditions, including infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer. For instance, it is used to neutralize toxins in cases of snake bites or certain bacterial infections, and to prevent or treat viral infections like rabies or hepatitis B. It can also be employed to modulate immune responses in autoimmune diseases by blocking specific inflammatory pathways or to target cancer cells. The effectiveness and safety of antistofgivning depend on the specific antibodies used and the condition being treated.