Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are large, Y-shaped proteins used by the immune system to identify and neutralize antigens such as bacteria and viruses . Each antibody binds to a specific antigen in a highly specific interaction analogous to a lock and key .
Antibodies are composed of two identical light (L) chains and two identical heavy (H) chains, which are held together by disulfide bonds to form a flexible Y shape . Each chain is composed of a variable (V) region and a constant © region . The tips of the Y-shaped structure contain paratopes that specifically bind to epitopes on antigens, allowing the two molecules to bind together with precision .
Antibodies occur in five classes, sometimes called isotypes: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM . Each class has different functions and is released in different parts of the body at various stages of an immune response . For example, IgG is the most common antibody in blood and extracellular fluid, providing the majority of antibody-based immunity against invading pathogens .
Antibodies are crucial for the immune response and are used in various medical applications, including diagnostics and therapeutics . Monoclonal antibodies, which are identical antibodies produced by a single clone of cells, are used to treat diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders .