How do antibodies protect a person after a poliovirus infection?

Following a poliovirus infection, the body develops specific antibodies—proteins found in the blood and body fluids—that serve as a critical defense mechanism. These antibodies protect a person by recognizing and neutralizing the virus should it be encountered again, thereby preventing the development of the disease.1

The production of these antibodies is part of the body's immune response. When the virus first enters the body, the immune system identifies it as a foreign substance and stimulates antibody-producing cells to create specific immunoglobulins, such as IgG, which can target and eliminate the virus.12

In addition to circulating antibodies, the body develops T cells that possess immunological memory. These cells, along with the antibody-producing B cells, remain sensitized to the poliovirus throughout an individual's lifetime. Upon future exposure, this memory allows the immune system to respond more rapidly and effectively, often producing a dramatic surge of specific antibodies to kill the virus before it can cause illness.123