Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins produced by B cells in response to specific antigens. They play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and neutralizing pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
Antigen: A molecule or molecular structure that is recognized by an antibody as foreign, triggering an immune response.
B Cell: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies in response to antigens.
Helper T Cell: A type of T cell that assists other white blood cells in immunologic processes, including activating B cells to produce antibodies.