Opinion ID: 784861
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Antibodies

Text: 2 This case relates to antibodies and their role in the immune response system. A vertebrate's immune system serves to identify and destroy foreign invading organisms and neutralize the toxic molecules they produce. Antibodies, which are proteins also referred to as immunoglobulins (Ig), serve to designate foreign particles, broadly referred to as antigens, for destruction by other components of the immune system such as lymphocytes. 1 Lymphocytes, otherwise known as white blood cells, produce antibodies and destroy antigens. T-cells and B-cells are the two types of lymphocytes needed for antibody production. One specific type of T-cell is the helper T-cell. Helper T-cells recognize antigens and then induce B-cells to produce antibodies through a series of events. First the helper T-cell is activated after it recognizes an antigen. Once activated, the helper T-cell activates the B-cell by a combination of binding with the B-cell and secreting signaling molecules. Once the B-cell is activated, it differentiates, 2 proliferates, and produces antibodies specific to a particular antigen. The antibodies then circulate in the bloodstream and permeate other bodily fluids, where they bind to the antigen, thereby flagging it for destruction. 3 The present interference involves competing claims to an antibody (CD40CR antibody) that represses the cell-to-cell signaling interaction between helper T-cells and B-cells. CD40CR antigen 3 is found on activated, but not resting, helper T-cells. CD40CR antigen acts as a key to unlock a protein (CD40) located on the surface of resting B-cells. Once CD40CR antigen and CD40 bind, the B-cell begins down the pathway to differentiation, proliferation, and antibody production. The CD40CR antibody binds to the CD40CR antigen located on the T-cell surface, thereby inhibiting its ability to bind to the CD40 receptor located on the resting B-cell. B-cells cannot then become activated, thereby preventing the B-cell from producing antibodies. CD40CR antibodies are useful for treating a hyperactive immune system that causes allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases.