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What is an Antibody

From Jose Vega M.D., Ph.D., for About.com

Updated: September 17, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: A type of protein released by special cells of the immune system, known as B cells, which identifies and neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and other infectious organisms that routinely enter a person's body. As such, antibodies play a very important role in defending the body from infection.

The abnormal production of antibodies that recognize membrane components of some cells can lead to the production of blood clots, which can then become a source of embolic strokes.

Also Known As: Immunoglobulin
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