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Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are Y-shaped proteins produced by specialized white blood cells called B cells. Their primary function is to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses, which are collectively referred to as antigens. Antibodies work by binding specifically to these antigens, marking them for destruction by other components of the immune system. This binding can also directly neutralize the pathogen by blocking its ability to infect cells or spread.

The immune system can generate antibodies in response to an infection or vaccination. This process is known as adaptive immunity. Once an antibody is produced against a specific antigen, the body retains a memory of it. This allows for a faster and stronger immune response if the same antigen is encountered again in the future, a principle central to vaccination.

Antibodies play a crucial role in maintaining health. Deficiencies in antibody production can lead to increased susceptibility to infections. Conversely, in certain autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. In medicine, antibodies are used therapeutically, for instance, in treatments for certain cancers and autoimmune disorders, and are also utilized in diagnostic tests to detect the presence of specific substances.