Vastataineiden

Vastataineiden, often translated as "antibodies," are Y-shaped proteins produced by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, as part of the adaptive immune system. Their primary function is to identify and neutralize foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Each antibody molecule is highly specific, designed to bind to a particular antigen, which is a unique molecular structure found on the surface of these foreign invaders. This binding process can neutralize the pathogen directly, or it can flag the pathogen for destruction by other immune cells.

The production of antibodies is a complex process. When an antigen enters the body, specialized immune cells called B cells recognize it. With the help of T helper cells, these B cells are activated and transform into plasma cells. These plasma cells then secrete large quantities of specific antibodies that circulate in the blood and lymph. The immune system can remember specific antigens it has encountered before, allowing for a faster and more potent antibody response upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogen. This principle of immunological memory is the basis for vaccination.

Antibodies are crucial for maintaining health and fighting off infections. They can neutralize toxins, prevent viruses from entering cells, and enhance the ability of phagocytic cells to engulf and destroy pathogens. Their specificity also makes them valuable tools in medical diagnostics and treatments, such as in pregnancy tests and in therapies for autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.