What is the role of antibodies in the immune response?
A.
Destroying infected cells
B.
Attracting white blood cells to the site of infection
C.
Producing hormones to activate the immune system
D.
Regulating body temperature
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Attracting white blood cells to the site of infection.
Explanation:
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, play a critical role in the immune response by recognizing and neutralizing foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, and toxins. They are produced by B cells, a type of white blood cell, in response to the presence of antigens (foreign substances). Once an antibody binds to its specific antigen, it can initiate several key actions in the immune system.
1. Attracting White Blood Cells (Option B):
Antibodies help attract other immune cells, such as phagocytes (e.g., macrophages and neutrophils), to the site of infection. This process, called opsonization, involves antibodies binding to pathogens and marking them for destruction. Phagocytes recognize the antibodies attached to the pathogen and engulf it, effectively clearing the infection. This enhances the efficiency of the immune system’s response to a pathogen.
2. Neutralization:
Antibodies can bind directly to pathogens, blocking their ability to infect cells. This process is called neutralization, and it prevents viruses and bacteria from attaching to host cells, thus limiting the spread of infection.
3. Activation of the Complement System:
Antibodies also activate the complement system, a series of proteins that work to lyse (break down) the cell walls of pathogens, leading to their destruction. This further enhances the ability of the immune system to eliminate the infection.
4. Memory Formation:
After an infection, some B cells become memory cells, retaining the knowledge of the pathogen. This allows for a faster and stronger immune response if the pathogen is encountered again in the future.
While antibodies don’t directly destroy infected cells or regulate body temperature, their primary role is to flag invaders and enhance immune activity.