Antibody

An antibody, also known as an immunoglobulin, is a large Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances called antigens. Antibodies recognize and bind to specific antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells or neutralizing their effects directly. Antibodies play a crucial role in the immune response, providing defense against infections and diseases. They are highly diverse, with each antibody specifically targeting a particular antigen through complementary binding interactions.