Antibodies

Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that are designed to identify and bind to specific foreign molecules (antigens) in order to neutralise them. These molecules can be anything from viruses, bacteria, and parasites to toxins and cancer cells. On detection, these antibodies act as a line of defence, activating the cells that destroy the foreign molecules. Therefore, antibodies are essential for the body's immune system to work properly and protect our health. In medical and research settings, antibodies are widely used. They are used to diagnose and treat diseases, to produce vaccines, to purify proteins and to study the structure and function of proteins.