MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Antibody

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Antibody

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Antibodies

Definition Return to top

Antibodies are a type of protein. They are produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances that may be a threat to the body -- such as chemicals, virus particles, spores, or bacterial toxins. These foreign substances are called antigens.

Each type of antibody is unique and defends the body against one specific type of antigen.

Update Date: 4/26/2003

Updated by: David Webner, M.D., Department of Family Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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