Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances. They are crucial for recognizing and binding to specific antigens, helping to neutralize pathogens or mark them for destruction. In humans and animals, antibodies are key components of the immune response, while in plants, similar mechanisms involving proteins may play roles in defense against pathogens.
In plants, defense mechanisms often involve proteins and other molecules that can recognize and respond to pathogens. While not directly equivalent to antibodies, these proteins can provide specific recognition and response functions. For example, certain plant proteins can bind to pathogens, triggering defense pathways.
In biomedical research, antibodies are widely used as tools for studying protein function, diagnosing diseases, and developing therapies. For example, antibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) have been studied in the context of systemic sclerosis and other diseases . These antibodies can have stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the receptor, influencing disease progression.