Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Immunoglobulins, more commonly known as antibodies, are proteins produced by B-lymphocytes in response to specific antigens. They bind to these antigens to neutralize or mark them for destruction by other immune cells.
Related terms
Antigen: A substance that stimulates an immune response, especially the production of antibodies.
B: lymphocytes - A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies as part of the body's adaptive immune response.
The part of the immune system that adapts its response to specific pathogens it has encountered before, using memory cells to respond more efficiently in future encounters.