Protein Therapeutics: Mouse, Humanized, and Human Antibodies

Antibodies play a vital role in immune defense against pathogens. They are globular glycoproteins produced by plasma cells in response to the antigenic stimulation of B-lymphocytes. Their circulation in blood and lymph contributes to the humoral component of the vertebrate immune system. Each plasma cell secretes a single clone of antibodies that bind a unique epitope of an antigen. Cooperations exist between antibodies and other immune effectors such as macrophages and complement to facilitate the removal of antigens from the body.