Differences Between Immunoglobulin and Antibodies

calendarApr 29, 2023 · 3 min read  ·
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Immunoglobulin vs Antibodies

 Ever wonder why we don’t get sick easily even if the surroundings are more polluted than before? It’s because we have tiny soldiers inside our body, and they are called immunoglobulin. There has been confusion that immunoglobulin and antibodies are different things. However, as I do my research on the Internet, immunoglobulin and antibodies are pretty much the same when it comes to their function.An antibody is a Y-shaped protein which has the task to determine and neutralize certain bacteria and viruses that try to invade our immune system. Immunoglobulin is also a protein that carries the same function as antibodies. In this regard, the terms immunoglobulin and antibodies are often used interchangeably.The Y-shape of the antibody enables its key to unlock it and release the antibodies inside the immune system. This key is known as an antigen. The antigen helps the antibody to determine the foreign object within our body. It also comes in the shape of a “Y” enabling the antibody to activate and perform its neutralizing function. In this case, the antibody or immunoglobulin will be found in the bloodstream, tissues, and other bodily fluids.  The antibodies or immunoglobulin come from the plasma cells which can be derived from the immune system’s B cells. The B cells become plasma cells when an antigen binds to its structure. Sometimes, the T cells help the B cells to activate.

There are five types of immunoglobulin: IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD, and IgE. These immunoglobulin, or antibodies, have similar, basic structures. They contain four polypeptide chains which are fused together by disulfide bonds forming a symmetrical molecular structure.

The immunoglobulin, or antibodies, can really work wonders. When activated, they signal other cells of the immune system to be on the alert whenever there are invading foreign bodies like bacteria and viruses. The antigen plays a very important role in the activation of the antibodies. Without it, we would always catch a cold, flu, and other types of diseases.

If you have seen TV commercials that encourage mothers to let their toddlers play in muddy terrains or seemingly dirty surroundings, that is one way of boosting the child’s immune system. As long as they  properly clean their children after playing, they don’t have anything to worry about. And because the body has immunoglobulin, or antibodies, a child cannot easily catch colds and the flu. The immunoglobulin, or antibodies, work day and night to keep you out of reach of bacteria and viruses.

But under certain conditions, foreign bodies can still make you sick. This is where you need to eat plenty of nutritious foods and Vitamin C rich foods like citrus fruits to enhance your immune system. To be able to get the most out of our little soldiers’ protection, you also need to take care of them through eating the right food and drinking plenty of fluids.Remember that our immunoglobulin, or antibodies, can also get sick if we don’t take care of them. As a responsible person who always keeps an eye on your health, you have to properly take care of your body.

Summary:

  • Immunoglobulin and antibodies are terms used interchangeably.
  • An antibody, or immunoglobulin, is a Y-shaped protein that helps to combat and fight diseases in our bodies.
  • Antibodies, or immunoglobulin, are generally found in our bloodstream, tissues, and other forms of bodily fluids. They are produced by plasma cells of the immune system.
  • With the help of antigens, the antibodies, or immunoglobulin, can perform their function. Antigens are like keys unlocking the antibodies.
  • People don’t easily acquire diseases because of the presence of antibodies.

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