Science
What is Antibodies?
Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins the immune system makes to recognize and neutralize specific invaders like viruses and bacteria. Each antibody locks onto one particular target, flagging it for destruction — and memory of it helps fight future infections.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains antibodies.
Key things to understand
- 1They're proteins made by the immune system.
- 2Each targets one specific invader (antigen).
- 3They neutralize threats and flag them for destruction.
- 4They underlie immunity from infection and vaccines.
Frequently asked questions
- What are antibodies?
- Proteins the immune system makes to recognize and neutralize specific germs like viruses and bacteria.
- How do antibodies work?
- Each locks onto a specific target on an invader, neutralizing it and marking it for the immune system to destroy.
- How do vaccines relate to antibodies?
- Vaccines train the body to make antibodies against a germ, so it can respond fast to a real infection.