Antibody

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-001807",
  "term": "Antibody",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. An immunoglobulin molecule that has a specific amino acid sequence by virtue of which it interacts only with the antigen that induced its synthesis in cells of the lymphoid series (especially plasma cells) or with antigen closely related to it. Antibodies are classified according to their ode of action as agglutinins, bacteriolysins, haemolysins, opsonins, precipitins, etc.\n\n2. An immunoglobulin molecule produced by B lymphoid cells with a specific amino acid sequence evoked in humans or other animals by an antigen (immunogen). These molecules are characterized by reacting specifically with the antigen in some demonstrable way, antibody and antigen each being defined in terms of the other. Antibodies may also exist naturally, without being present as a result of the stimulus provided by the introduction of an antigen; antibodies are found in the blood and body fluids, although the basic structure of the molecule consists of two light and two heavy chains, antibodies may also be found as dimers, trimers, or pentamers.\n\n3. A type of protein made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Each antibody can bind to only a specific antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies destroy antigens directly. Others make it easier for white blood cells to destroy the antigen.\n\n4. An antibody is a protein component of the immune system that circulates in the blood, recognizes foreign substances like bacteria and viruses, and neutralizes them. After exposure to a foreign substance, called an antigen, antibodies continue to circulate in the blood, providing protection against future exposures to that antigen.\n\n5. A specialized serum protein produced by the immune system in response to an antigen in an attempt to counteract the effects of the antigen; antibodies in the blood indicate exposure to specific antigens or disease agents.\n\n6. Protein found in the blood that is produced in response to foreign substances (e.g. bacteria or viruses) invading the body. Antibodies protect the body from disease by binding to these organisms and destroying them.",
  "subject": "Biological substances",
  "references": [
    "CancerWeb 2005; Thesaurus of Terms Used in Microbial Risk Assessment",
    "Stedman 2005; Thesaurus of Terms Used in Microbial Risk Assessment",
    "NIH Genetics Home Reference Glossary",
    "USGS Field Manual of Wildlife Disease Glossary",
    "CDC Vaccines and Immunizations Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/antibody/"
}