What are Antibodies?

An antibody is a protein produced by the immune system that recognises and binds to specific molecules, known as antigens. Antibodies are made by B cells, a type of white blood cell, and help the body to identify and eliminate pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, and other foreign substances. They are also involved in the removal of abnormal cells, such as cancer cells. Each antibody has a unique structure that allows it to specifically bind to a specific antigen. The binding of an antibody to its corresponding antigen can initiate a cascade of events that ultimately lead to the destruction and/or removal of the antigen from the body.