What do antibodies bind to?

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects, such as bacteria and viruses. They have a specific structure that allows them to bind to particular molecules known as antigens. Antigens are often found on the surface of pathogens and are recognized as foreign by the immune system.

The binding of antibodies to specific antigens is highly selective, similar to a lock and key mechanism, which ensures that each antibody can target a specific pathogen or foreign substance effectively. This binding is crucial for the immune response because it aids in marking pathogens for destruction by other immune cells or neutralizing their harmful effects directly.

While antibodies can interact with pathogens as part of their function, they do so through the specific antigens present on those pathogens. Thus, the primary role of antibodies is to bind to these specific antigens, enabling the immune system to recognize and eliminate threats to the body efficiently.