Antibody
This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Wisdom89 (talk | contribs) at 16:30, December 9, 2007. It may differ significantly from current revision.
Antibodies are blood circulating glycoproteins secreted by plasma cells (differentiated B lymphocytes) in response to immune stimulation. They constitute what is known as the humeral immune response, which is highly specific. Antibodies recognize and bind tightly to small molecules (peptide, lipid, or carbohydrate) termed antigens. Antigens may be free floating in the blood, or bound to the plasma membrane of a pathogen or another immune cell. Antibodies are produced in response to disease and help the immune system fight against a particular disease. Template:Expand