antiotoxin

An antitoxin is a type of antibody that is produced by the immune system of an animal or human in response to a specific toxin. Toxins are poisonous substances produced by living organisms, such as bacteria, plants, or animals. When a toxin enters the body, the immune system recognizes it as a foreign substance and initiates a response to neutralize it. This response involves the production of antitoxins.

Antitoxins work by binding to the toxin molecules and preventing them from interacting with their target cells or tissues. This binding action effectively inactivates the toxin, preventing it from causing harm. Once bound, the toxin-antitoxin complex can be cleared from the body by other parts of the immune system.

In medical contexts, antitoxins are often administered therapeutically to treat conditions caused by toxins. For example, antitoxins are used to treat diphtheria, tetanus, and botulism, all of which are caused by bacterial toxins. These therapeutic antitoxins are typically produced in animals, such as horses, by repeatedly injecting them with small amounts of the toxin. Their immune system then produces antibodies (antitoxins) that can be harvested and purified for human use. This process is known as passive immunization, as it provides immediate, but temporary, protection. The body's own immune system can also produce antitoxins, leading to active immunization and long-lasting immunity.