What are immunoglobulins?

What are immunoglobulins?

• A. Proteins that help vaccines grow
• B. Antibodies used in passive immunity
• C. Live microorganisms in vaccines
• D. Adjuvants that enhance immune response

Answer: (B)

Immunoglobulins are indeed antibodies used in passive immunity. They are glycoproteins produced primarily by plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. The primary function of immunoglobulins is to identify and neutralize pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Passive immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, providing immediate but temporary protection against diseases. This can happen naturally, such as when maternal antibodies are passed to an infant through breast milk, or artificially, through the administration of immunoglobulin therapy. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe immunoglobulins. Proteins that help vaccines grow refer more to growth factors than to the actual antibodies. Live microorganisms in vaccines are a defining characteristic of live attenuated vaccines, which stimulate the immune response but do not involve immunoglobulins themselves. Lastly, adjuvants are substances added to vaccines to enhance the immune response but are distinct from immunoglobulins, which are the immune components that perform the action of specifically targeting and neutralizing pathogens.

Immunoglobulins are indeed antibodies used in passive immunity. They are glycoproteins produced primarily by plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. The primary function of immunoglobulins is to identify and neutralize pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Passive immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, providing immediate but temporary protection against diseases. This can happen naturally, such as when maternal antibodies are passed to an infant through breast milk, or artificially, through the administration of immunoglobulin therapy.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe immunoglobulins. Proteins that help vaccines grow refer more to growth factors than to the actual antibodies. Live microorganisms in vaccines are a defining characteristic of live attenuated vaccines, which stimulate the immune response but do not involve immunoglobulins themselves. Lastly, adjuvants are substances added to vaccines to enhance the immune response but are distinct from immunoglobulins, which are the immune components that perform the action of specifically targeting and neutralizing pathogens.