What makes antibodies in the body

By Layal Liverpool. They help eliminate disease-causing microbes from the body, for instance by directly destroying them or by blocking them from infecting cells. Antibodies work by recognising and sticking to specific proteins, such as those found on the surfaces of viruses and bacteria, in a highly specific way. When the body encounters a microbe for the first time, immune cells produce antibodies that specifically recognise proteins associated with that particular microbe.

After recovering from an infection or receiving a vaccine , a small number of these antibody-producing immune cells usually remain in the body as memory cells , providing immunity to future infections with the same bug.

Because memory cells and antibodies are already present, next time the body encounters the same microbe, the immune response is much faster and can stop the infection from taking hold. Antibody tests — also known as serological tests — take advantage of the microbe-specific antibodies that remain in the blood after a person has recovered from an infection.

Blood samples can be tested for the presence of microbe-specific antibodies by mixing them with proteins from the relevant microbe, called antigens. If there are specific antibodies present in the blood sample, they will stick to the antigens.

These cells can give rise to four different IgG sub-classes that have specific anti-viral properties. The smallest number of IgM cells switch to producing the IgE antibody class, which triggers inflammation in the body and can create an allergic response if it becomes too active. More common immune conditions may also result from class-switching defects. People with allergies, for instance, produce allergen-specific IgE antibodies, resulting in an overactive immune response.

Horns envisions a more precise solution: designing drugs to mimic the signaling molecules that control the antibody class-switching process. As a next step, Horns plans to sequence the genes of people who suffer from immune disorders. Finding out how their antibody production differs from his baseline map would be a key step toward creating drug therapies that would restore an optimal antibody balance.

Tom Abate, Stanford Engineering: , tabate stanford. Email: news-service stanford. Stanford, California Vaccinations are available against many diseases, including measles and tetanus. The immunisations you may need are decided by your health, age, lifestyle and occupation. Together, these factors are referred to as HALO, which is defined as:. View the HALO graphic to find out more. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. For unexpected after-hours medical issues, there are telephone helplines, pharmacies, after-hours medical clinics or doctors who can visit you at home.

Severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people. Allergies to insect stings and bites range from milder allergic reactions to life-threatening, severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis.

All medication has the potential to cause allergies but some people can have allergic reactions to specific prescription or over-the-counter medications.

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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Immune system. Home Immune system. Immune system explained. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. The immune system and microbial infection Parts of the immune system The body's other defences against microbes Fever is an immune system response Common disorders of the immune system Immunisation Where to get help.

The immune system and microbial infection The immune system keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated, in types of white blood cells B- and T-lymphocytes known as memory cells. Parts of the immune system The main parts of the immune system are: white blood cells antibodies complement system lymphatic system spleen bone marrow thymus.

White blood cells White blood cells are the key players in your immune system. Antibodies Antibodies help the body to fight microbes or the toxins poisons they produce. Complement system The complement system is made up of proteins whose actions complement the work done by antibodies. Lymphatic system The lymphatic system is a network of delicate tubes throughout the body.

The main roles of the lymphatic system are to: manage the fluid levels in the body react to bacteria deal with cancer cells deal with cell products that otherwise would result in disease or disorders absorb some of the fats in our diet from the intestine.

The lymphatic system is made up of: lymph nodes also called lymph glands -- which trap microbes lymph vessels -- tubes that carry lymph, the colourless fluid that bathes your body's tissues and contains infection-fighting white blood cells white blood cells lymphocytes. Spleen The spleen is a blood-filtering organ that removes microbes and destroys old or damaged red blood cells.

Bone marrow Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside your bones. Thymus The thymus filters and monitors your blood content. The body's other defences against microbes As well as the immune system, the body has several other ways to defend itself against microbes, including: skin - a waterproof barrier that secretes oil with bacteria-killing properties lungs - mucous in the lungs phlegm traps foreign particles, and small hairs cilia wave the mucous upwards so it can be coughed out digestive tract - the mucous lining contains antibodies, and the acid in the stomach can kill most microbes other defences - body fluids like skin oil, saliva and tears contain anti-bacterial enzymes that help reduce the risk of infection.

The constant flushing of the urinary tract and the bowel also helps.