Antibodies 101

Antibodies are a big part of your immune system. Learn how they protect you.

AT THE READY

Antibodies are part of the body’s natural defenses

Your daily habits can play an important role in helping to keep those defenses strong.

Proteins with purpose

Antibodies are specialized proteins that bind to pathogens – or foreign substances that enter the body – like germs and toxins. This binding makes the pathogen “harmless” and prevents it from getting into your cells. Antibodies also activate other parts of your immune system to join the fight. 

Always on the job

Your antibodies are on duty all day, every day. Many of them travel through your body and, when a threat is detected, your body makes millions more that are ready to fight the threat at hand.

Precision protection

While your body can make millions of antibodies, they aren’t all the same. In fact, your body has the capacity to make many different antibodies, each one acting like a specific key that fits into a particular lock on a pathogen.

Long-term support

Following the immune system’s response to a pathogen, specialized immune cells “remember” the pathogen. Then, antibody-producing cells can generate high levels of antibodies with the right “keys” the next time it appears.

Taking charge

From getting enough sleep to prioritizing regular movement, the steps you take to live a healthy lifestyle are key to helping support a strong immune system, including your antibodies.

Support your natural defenders

Taking care of yourself is essential for staying healthy

Scientific data underscore how patterns of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and stress can influence the function of your immune system, including your antibodies. See how your habits could help optimize your health.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers about antibodies

What is an antibody?

Antibodies are specialized proteins that bind to pathogens and foreign substances, like germs and toxins, making the pathogen or foreign substance “harmless” and preventing it from getting into your cells.

What is the difference between an antibody and an antigen?

Antibodies are protective proteins made by your immune system. An antigen is any foreign substance that enters your body, including germs and toxins. Antibodies bind to antigens in order to help eliminate them from your system.

What is the structure of an antibody?

Antibodies are Y-shaped molecules, where the “arms” attach to antigens. An antibody binds to its target antigen – similar to the way a key fits into a lock.

How do antibodies help fight infections?

Antibodies can protect the body from infection in multiple ways. Their job is to recognize and attach to pathogens, which can prevent entry into your cells and help eliminate them from your system. They also activate other parts of your immune system, further increasing your body’s ability to protect itself from harmful invaders.

Are there different types of antibodies?

Antibodies have different functions and operate in different parts of the body. Some types of antibodies help the body to fight off infections and can even cross the placenta, allowing some immune protection to be transferred from mother to child.

How long do antibodies stay in the body?

Some antibodies can remain in your body for months to years.

Can antibody protection change as I age?

Yes. Age-related changes can lead to reduced immune function including decreased antibody production. Some healthy habits, like regular exercise, have been shown to slow these declines and increase the number of circulating antibodies in the body.

Can everyday lifestyle affect antibody levels?

Yes. Scientific data show that patterns of sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress can influence the function of your immune system, including your antibodies. 

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