Antibodies

Also known as:  Immune Globulins;  Immunoglobulins;  Ig;  Gamma Globulins

Description

Antibodies are a large group of endogenous Globulins (Proteins) - the human body is capable of manufacturing approximately 1,000,000 different types of Antibodies.  Antibodies are comprised of four Polypeptide chains- two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains joined by Sulfur (disulfide) bonds.  Antibodies are likened by way of analogy to "guided missiles".

Biology of the Manufacture of Antibodies

Immune System

 Antibodies are produced within Lymphoid Tissue in the Lymph Nodes and Spleen by B-Lymphocytes (after B-Lymphocytes'' conversion to Plasma Cells) under instructions from T-Lymphocytes.

 Memory T-Cells store (as a chemical "memory") a "snapshot" of every type of Antigen that has invaded a given person''s body since birth - this "memory" is then utilized to manufacture Antibodies in response to these "memorized" Antigens should they once again invade the body.

Biological Function of Antibodies

Immune System

 Antibodies are manufactured in response to and counteract Antigens:

 Antibodies are tailor-made to specifically lock onto each of the millions of different structures of Antigens that can invade a person.

 Antibodies can attach to and kill Bacteria - Detrimental that manage to penetrate the body.

 Antibodies sabotage Viruses by neutralizing the parts of the Virus surface that enable the Virus to hook onto and enter a host cell.  With attachment sites blocked, the Virus is no longer able to invade and take over a host cell.

 When Antibodies have completed their task of neutralizing Antigens, the combined Antigen/Antibody complex is itself destroyed by Eosinophils.

These Substances may Stimulate the Production of Antibodies

Amino Acids

 Lysine may stimulate the production of Antibodies.  

 Methionine is an essential component of most Antibodies.

  Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (OKG) may increase the production of Antibodies.  ^[1]

  Serine may stimulate the production of Antibodies.  

  Threonine deficiency may cause a reduction in the production of Antibodies.  

  Tryptophan is involved in the production of Antibodies.  

Cytokines

  Interleukin 6 (IL-6) increases the synthesis and secretion of Antibodies by B-Lymphocytes.

Hormones

  DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) may stimulate the production of Antibodies.  ^[2]

  Human Growth Hormone (hGH) may facilitate the production of Antibodies by B-Lymphocytes.  ^[3]

  Melatonin may stimulate the production of Antibodies in response to Antigens (by stimulating the release of Interleukin-2 from Helper T-Cells which goes on to activate NK Lymphocytes).  ^[4]