Lanticorpo

Lanticorpo is a term derived from Italian, literally translating to "antibody." In the biological and medical context, it refers to the same entity as the English word "antibody." Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins produced by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, as part of the immune system's response to foreign substances. These foreign substances, known as antigens, can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and even non-infectious materials like pollen or transplanted cells.

The primary function of an antibody is to identify and neutralize these foreign invaders. They achieve this by binding specifically to the antigen. This binding can directly inhibit the pathogen's activity, or it can mark the pathogen for destruction by other components of the immune system, such as phagocytes. The specificity of antibody-antigen binding is highly precise, akin to a lock and key mechanism. Each antibody is designed to recognize and bind to a particular epitope, a specific region on the antigen.

Antibodies are crucial for adaptive immunity, providing long-term protection against specific pathogens after initial exposure. The development of antibodies is a complex process involving B lymphocytes. This biological role makes antibodies fundamental to vaccine development and the treatment of various diseases, including autoimmune disorders and certain cancers, where targeted antibody therapies are employed. The term lanticorpo is therefore a direct equivalent and used interchangeably with antibody in Italian-speaking scientific and medical communities.