Antibody (immunoglobulin)
Definition
A Y-shaped glycoprotein produced by B lymphocytes that binds a specific antigen at its variable regions. Antibodies used as forensic reagents are produced by immunising an animal (rabbit, horse, or goat) with a specific antigen, then harvesting the resulting antiserum.
Related terms
- Antigen
- A molecule recognised by the adaptive immune system through specific binding to an antibody or T-cell receptor. Defined by immunogenicity (capacity to...
- ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
- A plate-based immunoassay format in which a target antigen is captured by an antibody bound to a solid surface, detected by a...
- Lateral-flow immunoassay
- A point-of-care competitive immunochromatographic format on a nitrocellulose strip. In the absence of drug, colloidal gold-labelled antibody is captured at a test...
- Precipitin reaction
- The formation of an insoluble antigen-antibody complex (precipitate) when soluble antigen and antibody meet at equivalent concentrations. The Ouchterlony double-diffusion test and...
- Secretor status
- A genetic trait that determines whether a person expresses their ABO blood group antigens in secreted body fluids such as saliva, semen,...
Explained in
- The Role of Immunology in Forensic ScienceA Y-shaped glycoprotein produced by B lymphocytes that binds a specific antigen at its variable regions. Antibodies used as forensic reagents are produced by i...