Research A-Z
Antibody
Definition
An immunoglobulin or specialized immune protein produced by B lymphocytes in response to the introduction of an antigen into the body. It possesses the ability to combine with the very antigen that triggered its production, to destroy or control them, thereby providing protection against common infections.
The production of antibodies is a major function of the immune system.
Some antibodies are autoantibodies and home in against one's own tissues.
