I don't have a source. Antibodies are largely used against bacterial infections. Viruses are usually seen as foreign but don't usually initiate a significant antibody response. Antibodies are on the outside of cells. Viruses attach themselves to cells, further masking against antibodies. As once they attach they are usually seen as the cell to which they attached. They then enter your cells where antibodies can't reach.
Our bodies have entirely different system for defending against viruses. While antibodies may play a small role during initial infection, they are never a significant front line against viruses.
The other mechanism identifies malfunctioning (infected) cells and terminates that cell as well as stops replication. Then, once dead, the white blood cells extract them for removal from the body.
Thanks. I appreciate your response. Was unaware of that process.
This is a summary. Is actually more involved than this provides. I don't remember the terminology to properly explain it.
The part of our immune system designed to defend against viruses has its own name and I don't recall it.
The part of our immune system designed to defend against viruses has its own name and I don't recall it.
Is it, 'the adaptive immune system"
The adaptive immunity has two important cells: B and T cells (B means cells that mature in the bone marrow, while T cells develop in the thymus). B cells make antibodies, and are not as useful in defending against virus infection as T cells. T cells are highly important in the immune response to virus infection because they do a few things:
Kills virus-infected cells Activate interferon that inhibits virus replication Activates cells that kills virus-infected cells
I'll take a look. Thanks again.
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