Here's why:
* Neutralize toxins: Antitoxins bind to toxins, preventing them from interacting with and damaging cells. This effectively neutralizes the toxin's harmful effects.
* Do not affect the organism producing toxin: Antitoxins target the toxin itself, not the organism producing it. This means they don't harm the bacteria, virus, or other organism responsible for the toxin's production.
Examples of antitoxins:
* Diphtheria antitoxin: Neutralizes the toxin produced by the bacteria *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*.
* Tetanus antitoxin: Neutralizes the toxin produced by the bacteria *Clostridium tetani*.
* Botulinum antitoxin: Neutralizes the toxin produced by the bacteria *Clostridium botulinum*.
How they work:
Antitoxins are typically produced in animals, such as horses, and then purified for human use. They work by binding to specific epitopes (antigenic determinants) on the toxin molecule. This binding can:
* Block the toxin from binding to its target cell: This prevents the toxin from entering the cell and causing damage.
* Neutralize the toxin's enzymatic activity: Some toxins are enzymes that can directly damage cells. Antitoxins can bind to the active site of the enzyme, inhibiting its activity.
Importance:
Antitoxins are crucial for treating diseases caused by toxins, as they can quickly neutralize the toxin and prevent further damage. They are often administered as a serum or immunoglobulin injection.