Antibodies, which are also called immunoglobulins, are really important in fighting off fungal infections. Here’s how they help:
Neutralization: Antibodies attach to harmful fungi. By doing this, they stop the fungi from sticking to cells and causing harm. For example, special antibodies against Candida can neutralize over 80% of dangerous strains.
Opsonization: Antibodies help make fungi easier for immune cells to recognize and attack. They coat the fungi, which improves the process called phagocytosis. Research shows that this can make phagocytosis up to 50% more effective.
Complement Activation: Antibodies can also activate something called the complement system. This system creates a group of proteins called the membrane attack complex (MAC). These proteins can lead to the destruction of 50% to 75% of certain fungi.
Immune Memory: Some cells in the body, known as long-lived plasma cells, remember past infections. When they see the same fungi again, they quickly make specific antibodies. This speeds up the immune response and can boost antibody production by 2 to 3 times.
These actions are essential for our bodies to defend against fungal infections.
Antibodies, which are also called immunoglobulins, are really important in fighting off fungal infections. Here’s how they help:
Neutralization: Antibodies attach to harmful fungi. By doing this, they stop the fungi from sticking to cells and causing harm. For example, special antibodies against Candida can neutralize over 80% of dangerous strains.
Opsonization: Antibodies help make fungi easier for immune cells to recognize and attack. They coat the fungi, which improves the process called phagocytosis. Research shows that this can make phagocytosis up to 50% more effective.
Complement Activation: Antibodies can also activate something called the complement system. This system creates a group of proteins called the membrane attack complex (MAC). These proteins can lead to the destruction of 50% to 75% of certain fungi.
Immune Memory: Some cells in the body, known as long-lived plasma cells, remember past infections. When they see the same fungi again, they quickly make specific antibodies. This speeds up the immune response and can boost antibody production by 2 to 3 times.
These actions are essential for our bodies to defend against fungal infections.