BIOL 3120 LECTURE 7

Antibody

A protein produced by plasma cells that specifically recognizes and binds to antigens.

Immunoglobulin (Ig)

The antigen receptor for B cells, found in membrane-bound (BCR) and secreted forms (antibodies).

Epitope

The specific part of an antigen recognized by an antibody.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Antibodies produced by identical immune cells that are all clones of a unique parent cell, targeting one specific antigen.

Hybridoma

A hybrid cell line created by fusing B cells with myeloma cells to produce monoclonal antibodies.

Variable Region

The region of an antibody that determines its specificity for binding to antigens.

Constant Region

The part of an antibody that interacts with other components of the immune system to trigger effector functions.

CDR (Complementarity-Determining Region)

Regions within the variable domain of an antibody that are directly involved in binding the antigen.

Serum Therapy

The transfer of antibodies from an immune individual to a non-immune individual to provide temporary protection from disease.

Passive Immunization

A method of providing immediate protection by transferring antibodies, usually from an immune serum.

Active Immunization

The process of inducing an immune response through exposure to a vaccine.

Hinge Region

A flexible region of an antibody that allows for movement of the Fab arms in binding to antigens.

Ig Classes

Different types of immunoglobulins (e.g., IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE) that have distinct structures and functions within the immune system.

Flow Cytometry

A technology used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of particles in a fluid as they pass through a laser.

Plasma Cell

A cell that produces and secretes large quantities of antibodies.

Antigen Binding Site

The region of an antibody where the binding to the antigen occurs, consisting of variable regions.

Monomeric IgA

The single-unit form of IgA found in the blood.

Dimeric IgA

The two-unit form of IgA that predominates in secretions across epithelial surfaces.

IgG

The most abundant immunoglobulin class in serum, known for its flexibility and protective functions against pathogens.