What do antibodies do in the immune system?

Antibodies play a crucial role in the immune system by being produced by lymphocytes, specifically B cells, in response to the presence of antigens. Antigens are foreign substances, such as pathogens or toxins, that can trigger an immune response. When antigens are detected, B cells activate and begin to multiply, leading to the production of antibodies that are specific to the particular antigens encountered.

These antibodies then bind to the antigens, which can neutralize the pathogens or mark them for destruction by other components of the immune system, such as phagocytes. This targeted response is vital for effectively combating infections and providing the body with immunity against future attacks from the same pathogens.

The process of antibody production is a fundamental aspect of the adaptive immune response, which allows the body to remember and efficiently respond to previously encountered pathogens. This specificity and memory are what make the immune system so effective and adaptable.