Antibodies in Immunity and Diagnostics Flashcards
(13 cards)
What are the two main regions of an antibody and their roles?
Fab region (variable): binds to antigens (specificity)
Fc region (constant): interacts with immune cells to trigger effector functions
What immune functions do antibodies perform?
- Neutralisation: block pathogens/toxins
- Opsonisation: tag pathogens for phagocytosis
- Complement activation: classical pathway → MAC
- ADCC: NK cells kill antibody-tagged cells
What are the key features of IgM?
- First antibody made
- Pentameric → strong complement activator
What are the key features of IgG?
- Most abundant in blood
- Crosses placenta
- Long-term immunity
What are the key features of IgA?
- Found in mucosal areas (gut, saliva, tears)
- Dimeric in secretions
- Protects against pathogens at surfaces
What are the key features of IgE?
- Binds allergens and parasites
- Activates mast cells and basophils → histamine release
How is ELISA used in diagnostics?
Detects presence of specific antigens or antibodies using enzyme-linked antibodies
What is Western blotting used for?
Detects specific proteins separated by gel electrophoresis using labelled antibodies
What is immunohistochemistry?
Uses antibodies to stain and locate proteins in tissue sections
What are monoclonal antibodies used for?
Therapeutics, diagnostics, and targeted research tools due to high specificity
What should go in the introduction?
- Define antibodies and their dual role in immunity and biotechnology
- Highlight importance of their structure and specificity
What should the main body cover?
- Immune functions (neutralisation, opsonisation, complement, ADCC)
- Structural basis for specificity and effector action
- Classes of antibodies and their features
- Research/diagnostic applications (ELISA, Western, IHC, monoclonals)
What should the conclusion include?
- Emphasise their versatility in immunity and biomedical tools
- Highlight their engineered forms in therapy/diagnostics
