Antibody | Full Lecture with Animation | Immunology | Basic Science Series

Antibody | Full Lecture with Animation | Immunology | Basic Science Series Keywords: immune system, antibodies, antigens, lymphocytes, phagocytes, inflammation, cytokines, vaccination, immune response, pathogen, infection, T cells, B cells, antigen-presenting cells, immunoglobulins, humoral immunity, cellular immunity, autoimmune diseases, adaptive immunity, innate immunity, lymphoid organs, immunodeficiency, antigen recognition, immune regulation Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Igs), are proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances called antigens. They play a critical role in the body's defense mechanism by recognizing, binding to, and neutralizing antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Structure of Antibodies Antibodies have a characteristic Y-shaped structure consisting of four polypeptide chains - two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds and form functional units called antigen-binding sites located at the tips of the Y-shaped molecule. Each antibody molecule can bind to a specific antigen with high specificity due to the variable regions present in the antigen-binding sites. Classes and Isotypes of Antibodies There are five main classes of antibodies: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE, each with distinct structural and functional properties. IgG antibodies are the most abundant in the bloodstream and provide long-term immunity. IgM antibodies are the first to be produced during an immune response. IgA antibodies are found in mucosal secretions and protect mucous membranes. IgD antibodies are primarily found on the surface of B cells and play a role in B cell activation. IgE antibodies are involved in allergic reactions and defense against parasites. Functions of Antibodies: Neutralization: Antibodies can neutralize pathogens by binding to their surface antigens, preventing them from infecting host cells. Opsonization: Antibodies can tag pathogens for destruction by phagocytic cells such as macrophages and neutrophils through a process called opsonization. Complement Activation: Antibodies can activate the complement system, a group of proteins that enhance the immune response by promoting inflammation, opsonization, and cell lysis. Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC): Antibodies can recruit immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells to target and kill cells that are coated with antibodies, such as virus-infected or cancerous cells. Activation of Mast Cells and Basophils: IgE antibodies can bind to mast cells and basophils, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators in allergic reactions and defense against parasites. Antibodies are versatile molecules that play diverse roles in the immune system, ranging from neutralizing pathogens to modulating immune responses. Understanding their structure and function is crucial for developing vaccines, diagnostic tests, and therapeutic antibodies for various diseases. WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTXQC1Ax2qfKYa3MrZiMeD Twitter: https://twitter.com/basic_series Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/742235929758671 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basic-science-series-a54439208/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basic_science_series/ Support my work at https://www.patreon.com/user?u=37177596 Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only. The content of this channel should not be considered as medical advice of any kind. Use this information at your own risk. We hold no responsibility for any issue, concerns, or damage arising from the content of the video. Under no circumstances this channel be responsible or liable in any way for any content, including but not limited to, any errors or omissions in the content, any loss, any damage of any kind incurred as a result of any content communicated in this video, whether by this channel or a third party. In no event shall this channel be liable for any special indirect or consequential damages of any damages whatsoever resulting from the content of the channel. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCMQWzR5lHk