Have you ever thought about the little guards inside our bodies? It's like our own little army. When we get sick or something like poison enters our bodies, these are the ones who come forward and fight to save us. Those little heroes are what we call antibodies , or ``Antibodies'' in English. Another name for this is ``Immunoglobulin''.
What are antigens and antibodies? How do they start the fight?
Simply put, an `Antigen` is anything that is harmful to our body, coming from outside. Imagine a thief breaking into your house. That thief is `Antigen`. These thieves can come in many different guises:
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Allergens
- Venom from animals
- Other various toxins
Now, when this `(Antigen)` invader enters the body, our immune system immediately recognizes it. Our system understands, "Oh... here comes someone we don't know, and this person is not one of us." That's when our army, the `` Antibody`` , calls in. Antibodies are special proteins made by our immune system. These go and grab that `(Antigen)`, destroy it, and help it get out of the body. It's like catching that thief and handing it over to the police.
Where are these antibodies produced? Where in the body are they located?
Antibodies are made by a special type of white blood cell in our body. They are called B cells . When an ``antigen'' comes and hits a B cell, that B cell divides and makes many more cells. It's like ``photocopying''. We call these new cells `` plasma cells''. It is from those plasma cells that millions of antibodies are produced and released into our blood and lymph system.
The antibodies produced in this way are not only in one place in our body.
- In our skin
- In the lungs
- In tears
- In saliva
- When a mother breastfeeds her baby, especially in the early days, the thick milk, called colostrum , contains a lot of these antibodies. That is why breastfeeding increases the baby's ability to resist diseases . That means the baby gets protection from the mother.
What are these monoclonal antibodies we've heard about?
Nowadays, doctors often talk about monoclonal antibodies . These are not naturally produced in our bodies. These are a type of antibody that is made in a laboratory, that is, in a special way. These are created in a way that they can do the same thing that our own antibodies do. They are made in a way that they can only attack a specific antigen. This treatment method is also called immunotherapy .
What diseases can be treated with monoclonal antibodies?
This type of artificially produced antibody called `(Monoclonal Antibodies)` is used to treat a wide range of diseases. Because each `(Monoclonal Antibody)` is made to target a specific `(Antigen)`. Here are a few examples:
- Types of Cancer
- Joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
- Some heart diseases
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Ulcerative colitis (intestinal ulcers)
- Lupus
- Crohn's disease
- Psoriasis, a skin disease
- Stop organ transplant rejection
Are there types of antibodies? What are they?
Yes, antibodies are not all the same. They are divided into 5 main types based on their location and function. Each type is named after an English letter. The word `Immunoglobulin` is abbreviated and `Ig` is added in front of this letter.
1. IgG: This is the most abundant type of antibody in our blood and other body fluids. It is these that primarily protect us from infections like bacteria and viruses. Most importantly, these `IgG` antibodies can cross the mother's placenta and provide protection to the baby in the womb.
2. IgA: These are found mostly in the lining of our respiratory system (nose, throat, lungs) and digestive system (intestines). They are also found in saliva, tears, and breast milk. They help stop germs from entering the body before they can enter the body.
3. IgM: When an infection enters the body, these `IgM` antibodies are the first to fight . They are found in the blood and lymph fluid.
4. IgE: This type of antibody is mainly involved in allergies . IgE levels increase when the body reacts to things like pollen and dust. They also fight against parasites.
5. IgD: Much is still being learned about these antibodies, but it is currently believed that they help activate B cells. They are found in very small amounts in the blood.
What are these antibodies actually made of? How do they look?
Antibodies are a type of protein . Each antibody is made up of four polypeptides . Polypeptides are chains of two or more amino acids. Two of these chains are called "heavy chains" and the other two are called "light chains."
These four chains come together to form an antibody in the shape of the English letter 'Y' . Imagine that the two upper branches of the letter 'Y' have their ends, and the amino acid sequence at those places is different for each type of antibody. It is because of that difference that each antibody can recognize only a specific `(Antigen)` and attack it only. Just like each key fits each keyhole.
Let's talk a little about COVID Antibodies, shall we?
Yes, COVID antibodies are something that everyone is talking about these days. Antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19 can be found in the blood of people who have recovered from the disease, or in the blood of people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Even if you have had COVID before, getting the vaccine will increase your body's antibody response and increase your ability to protect yourself from the virus.
How do I know if I have Covid antibodies?
You can find out if you have COVID antibodies by taking an antibody test . These tests are available at labs, some pharmacies, and your doctor can also tell you about them.
How long do Covid antibodies last in the body?
Research is still ongoing, but studies have shown that people who have recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies that last for at least five to six months . One study found that people who have recovered from COVID have "memory B cells" that can persist for years, and these memory cells can quickly target the virus if it comes back.
What type of thyroglobulin antibodies are these?
Thyroglobulin antibodies are often found in people with thyroid problems, such as those with hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) or hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone). These antibodies attack a protein called thyroglobulin (which is the precursor to thyroid hormone). This can damage the thyroid gland.
What is an Antithyroglobulin Antibody Test?
If your doctor suspects there is a problem with your thyroid gland, he or she may order this anti-thyroglobulin antibody test . This test is also used to monitor the progress of thyroid cancer after treatment.
What happens if I test positive?
If this test finds that you have thyroglobulin antibodies in your blood, it means that you may have a thyroid condition. Some of these conditions include:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto's disease
- Graves' disease
- Subacute thyroiditis
- Lupus
- Type 1 diabetes
So what are these autoantibodies?
These are also called antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). Autoantibodies are a type of antibody that attacks normal proteins in the nuclei of healthy cells in our own bodies. Think of it like our own defenses attacking our own. These autoantibodies mistake healthy proteins in the body for being dangerous and unnecessary. As a result, our bodies start attacking themselves. Most people have very small amounts of these autoantibodies. However, if they are present in large amounts, it usually indicates an autoimmune disease .
How are antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) tested?
The main blood test used to check for these `ANAs` is the ` fluorescent antinuclear antibody test` . In this test, doctors look at fluorescently labeled antibodies under a microscope and determine the intensity and pattern of the fluorescence. This test is often used to confirm the presence of diseases such as lupus.
What does a positive ANA test mean?
A ``positive`` result from an ANA test does not necessarily mean that you have an autoimmune disease, but rather that your doctor may want to investigate further. If you get a ``positive`` result, your doctor will likely recommend further testing.
Most importantly, antibodies are how our immune system protects us from infections, allergens, and toxins. Our bodies make these proteins naturally. Sometimes, monoclonal antibodies made in labs are used to treat certain health problems, such as cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The most important things you need to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's summarize some of the things we've talked about that you need to keep in mind:
- Antibodies are our body's defenses. They help protect us by fighting off germs and toxins (antigens) from outside.
- These are made by special white blood cells called B cells .
- There are several types of antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, IgD), each of which has a specific function.
- Monoclonal antibodies are a special type of antibody made in a lab. They are used to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer.
- We get COVID antibodies from illness and vaccination.
- Sometimes our antibodies can work against our own bodies. These are called autoantibodies . These can cause autoimmune diseases.
So, you can see how valuable these little heroes called antibodies are to our bodies. They are what protect us from many diseases. If you have any more questions about this, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
` Antibodies, Antibodies, Immunoglobulin, Antigen, Immune system, B cells, Monoclonal Antibodies, COVID Antibodies, Thyroglobulin Antibodies, Autoantibodies, ANA test
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