BLOCKING ANTIBODY Meaning and
Definition
-
A blocking antibody is a type of antibody that has the ability to prevent or disrupt the binding of specific molecules to their respective cellular targets. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances, such as viruses, bacteria, or abnormal cells. These specialized proteins recognize and bind to specific molecules, known as antigens, on the surface of these foreign agents, marking them for destruction by other components of the immune system.
Blocking antibodies play a crucial role in immune defense by inhibiting the interactions between antigens and their target receptors, thus preventing their harmful effects. These antibodies effectively block the binding or activity of an antigen by physically obstructing the site required for cell recognition or inhibiting the interaction directly. By inhibiting the interaction, blocking antibodies can neutralize the antigens, prevent them from entering cells, or disrupt their signaling pathways.
Blocking antibodies have significant therapeutic applications in multiple fields, particularly in the context of disease treatment. They can be specifically designed or engineered to target and block specific molecules involved in disease processes, such as tumor growth, viral infections, or autoimmune disorders. By interfering with the binding or activation of these molecules, blocking antibodies can modulate immune responses and reduce disease severity. Additionally, they can be utilized in diagnostics or research settings to elucidate the functions of specific molecules or pathways.
Common Misspellings for BLOCKING ANTIBODY
- vlocking antibody
- nlocking antibody
- hlocking antibody
- glocking antibody
- bkocking antibody
- bpocking antibody
- boocking antibody
- blicking antibody
- blkcking antibody
- bllcking antibody
- blpcking antibody
- bl0cking antibody
- bl9cking antibody
- bloxking antibody
- blovking antibody
- blofking antibody
- blodking antibody
- blocjing antibody
- blocming antibody
- blocling antibody
Etymology of BLOCKING ANTIBODY
The etymology of the word "blocking antibody" can be broken down as follows:
1. Blocking: This word comes from the Middle English word "blokken" and the Old French word "bloquer", both of which mean "to block or obstruct". It stems from the Middle Dutch word "blocken" and likely has older Germanic origins.
2. Antibody: The word "antibody" combines "anti-", meaning against or opposing, and "body", referring to a biological structure or organism. The term was coined in the late 19th century by German bacteriologist and immunologist Paul Ehrlich. It was derived from the German word "Antikörper", where "anti" (against) denotes the ability to counteract or neutralize pathogens.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
