Here's a breakdown:
* Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins produced by the immune system's B cells. They specifically bind to and neutralize foreign substances, such as viruses and toxins, by:
* Neutralization: Binding to the virus or toxin, blocking its ability to infect cells or exert its harmful effects.
* Opsonization: Marking the virus or toxin for destruction by other immune cells, like macrophages.
* Activation of complement: Triggering a cascade of proteins that leads to the lysis (destruction) of the virus or toxin.
Let me know if you have any other questions!