Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances. They play a crucial role in recognizing and binding to specific antigens, helping to neutralize pathogens and facilitate their removal from the body. Antibodies are used extensively in research, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications.
There are several classes of antibodies, including IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, and IgD. Each class has distinct properties and functions:
| Antibody Class | Structure | Function | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| IgG | Monomer | Provides long-term immunity, crosses placenta | Blood, lymph |
| IgM | Pentameric | Initial immune response, recognizes novel antigens | Lymph, blood |
Antibodies are used in various applications:
Therapeutics: Monoclonal antibodies are engineered to target specific proteins involved in diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Diagnostics: Antibodies are used in assays to detect antigens, aiding in disease diagnosis.
Research: Antibodies help in studying protein functions and interactions.
While there is no specific information on "GAUT9 Antibody," research on other antibodies provides insights into their development and applications. For example, galectin-9 (Gal-9) antibodies have been developed to target immune checkpoints in cancer therapy:
| Antibody Target | Function | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Galectin-9 (Gal-9) | Neutralizes Gal-9, protecting T cells from death, enhancing tumor cell killing | Cancer immunotherapy |