antibody

Table of Contents

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

Antibody structure

Antigens, antibodies, and lymphocytes

Domains of an antibody

Antibody classes

Figure 1: The basic four-chain unit of a human immunoglobulin molecule.

Figure 2: A human immunoglobulin molecule showing the domains present in the light (L) and heavy (H) chains.

schematic representation of proteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily

Diagram of the hinge region of an antibody molecule

Why do people have allergies in the spring?

For Students

antibody summary

Read Next

Doctor wearing medical gloves with vaccine syringe in foreground. Vaccination concept

How Do Vaccines Work?

Hand washing. Healthcare worker washing hands in hospital sink under running water. contagious diseases wash hands, handwashing hygiene, virus, human health

17 Questions About Health and Wellness Answered

Discover

Scolex (head) of the tapeworm Taenia solium. The hooks of the scolex enable the tapeworm to attach to the intestinal wall.

Uninvited Guests: The 7 Worst Parasitic Worms

Estimated battle casualties, Normandy invasion, World War II. WWII, D-Day

Estimated Battle Casualties During the Normandy Invasion and Campaign to Liberate Paris (June–August 1944)

Statue of Nostradamus

Nostradamus and His Prophecies

Normandy Invasion: Omaha Beach. World War II. D-Day. Infographic. SPOTLIGHT VERSION

Facts and Figures About the Landings on Omaha Beach During the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944

Lake Mead (the impounded Colorado River) at the Hoover Dam. The light-coloured band of rock above the shoreline shows the decrease in water level in the first few years of the 21st century.

6 Lakes That Are Drying Up

NBA Lakers Celtics Finals Kevin Garnett shooting.

10 Great Sports Rivalries

Nelson Mandela, undated photo.

15 Nelson Mandela Quotes

antibody: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: May 30, 2025

News •

HIV vaccine study uncovers powerful new antibody target • May 27, 2025, 7:56 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Facts

Also Known As	Ig • immunoglobulin

Photos and Videos

Antibody structure

Antigens, antibodies, and lymphocytes

Domains of an antibody

Antibody classes

Figure 1: The basic four-chain unit of a human immunoglobulin molecule.

Figure 2: A human immunoglobulin molecule showing the domains present in the light (L) and heavy (H) chains.

schematic representation of proteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily

Diagram of the hinge region of an antibody molecule

Why do people have allergies in the spring?

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

IgA IgD autoimmune antibody IgE IgG IgM immune antibody immune serum globulin intravenous immunoglobulin light chain white blood cell autoimmunity complement mast cell lymph mononuclear phagocyte system bone marrow lymphoid tissue prolamin

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

Key People

Gregory P. Winter

British biochemst

James P. Allison

American immunologist

Tonegawa Susumu

Japanese biologist

Gerald Maurice Edelman

Gerald Maurice Edelman

American physical chemist

Tasuku Honjo

Japanese immunologist

Bordet, Jules

Jules Bordet

Belgian bacteriologist

Rodney Robert Porter

British biochemist

Quiz

3d illustration human heart. Adult Anatomy Aorta Black Blood Vessel Cardiovascular System Coronary Artery Coronary Sinus Front View Glowing Human Artery Human Heart Human Internal Organ Medical X-ray Myocardium

Medical Terms and Pioneers Quiz

List

Hand washing. Healthcare worker washing hands in hospital sink under running water. contagious diseases wash hands, handwashing hygiene, virus, human health

17 Questions About Health and Wellness Answered