Immunoglobulin G antibody molecule 插畫檔

Immunoglobulin G antibody molecule. Computer model of the secondary structure of immunoglobulin G (IgG). This is the most abundant immunoglobulin and is found in all body fluids. Each Y-shaped molecule has two arms (top) that can bind to specific antigens, for instance bacterial or viral proteins. In doing this they mark the antigen for destruction by phagocytes, white blood cells that ingest and destroy foreign bodies. Antibodies can also kill some pathogens directly, and can neutralise toxins.