antibody
noun
- large Y-shaped protein produced by B-cells, used by the immune system; large, Y-shaped protein produced mainly by plasma cells that is used by the immune system to neutralize pathogens such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈæn.tiˌbɒd.i/ / /ˈæn.tɪˌbɒd.i/ / /ˈæn.tɪˌbɑ.di/
noun
Etymology: From anti- + body, a calque of German Antikörper.
- A protein produced by B-lymphocytes that binds to a specific antigen.
“It’s estimated only 0.1% of antibodies circulating in the bloodstream enter the brain – this also includes the therapeutic antibodies currently used in clinical trials. An approach my team is taking is to use ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, which increases the uptake of Alzheimer’s drugs or antibody fragments.”