Antitijela

Antitijela, also known as antibodies, are Y-shaped proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects such as bacteria and viruses. They are a crucial part of the adaptive immune response. Each antibody is specific to a particular antigen, which is a molecule found on the surface of a pathogen. When an antibody binds to its corresponding antigen, it can trigger various mechanisms to eliminate the threat. This binding can directly neutralize the pathogen, prevent it from entering cells, or flag it for destruction by other immune cells.

The production of antibodies is carried out by specialized white blood cells called B lymphocytes, or B cells. When a B cell encounters an antigen it recognizes, it differentiates into plasma cells, which are essentially antibody-producing factories. These plasma cells then secrete large quantities of specific antibodies into the bloodstream and other bodily fluids. The immune system has a remarkable ability to produce a vast repertoire of antibodies, allowing it to respond to a wide range of potential threats. This specificity and diversity make antibodies vital for effective defense against infections.