An antibody consists of glycoprotein (sugar + protein) molecules. They are also called immunoglobulins and they are produced by plasma cells in response to antigen molecules found on the surface of foreign particles that enter the body. The production of antibodies by plasma cells is part of a immunological response. The antibodies bind specifically to each other or to closely related antigens. Antibodies can also cause disease in autoimmune disorders, where in this case, antibodies are produced against healthy tissue. http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/BUGL/immune.htm#cellmed http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002223.htm http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/mayer/IgStruct2000.htm

Resources on this page include a section below on antibody binding and structure, which discusses the different classes of immunoglobulins that exist. Below that is a section on antinuclear antibodies, indicators of autoimmune disorders. There is a featured video on antibody structure that shows where antigens attach, or binding sites. Other resources you can find that will help you learn more include links, blog and news sections.

The binding of antibodies to antigens frequently has no effect of its own, but there are secondary effects that cause the destruction of the foreign particles to which they attach. These are called "effector functions." Cells of the immune system: phagocytic cells, lymphocytes, platelets, mast cells, and basophils all can bind to the immunoglobulin molecule and activate various functions and they can fix complement to lyse (break open) cells and release other molecules.

In the antibody molecule, there are variable regions where the amino acid sequence varies and bind occurs to the antigen; and there is a constant region that determines how the antigen will be destroyed. There are five classes of immunoglobulins known as IgM, IgG, Iga, IgD, and IgE that have different structure in the constant region and different immune functions. http://www.biology.arizona.edu/immunology/tutorials/antibody/structure.html http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/mayer

Normally, antibodies are factors that help the body resist disease causing agents, however antinuclear antibodies can develop which have the ability to bind to molecules with the cell nucleus. This event, which affects DNA expression and causes an autoimmune response, causes antibodies to attack healthy cells within the body and inflammation ensues, causing a variety of disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. http://www.medicinenet.com/antinuclear_antibody/article.htm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor before taking any action suggested on this page.