Why can B-cell antibodies recognize antigens in body fluids?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

B-cell antibodies can recognize antigens in body fluids because they are secreted by plasma cells directly into the blood and lymph. These antibodies are proteins modeled after the antigen receptors originally found on the surface of precursor B cells.312

The ability to recognize a specific antigen is determined by the antibody's molecular structure. Each antibody is a Y-shaped immunoglobulin featuring two identical antigen-binding sites at the tips of its arms. These sites contain variable regions with unique amino acid sequences that create a specific shape. Recognition occurs when the shape of an epitope—a specific portion of the antigen—is complementary to the antibody's binding site, allowing them to fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Once bound, the antibody initiates the neutralization or destruction of the target. This process, known as humoral immunity, allows B cells to effectively target invaders that remain outside the body's cells.41235