#TriviaTuesday - What is an antibody?
Lupus Research Alliance
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An antibody is a protein produced by the immune system in response to a foreign substance such as a virus or bacterium.
Autoantibodies are the basis for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus. Several theories exist about why autoantibodies are formed. The most common theory proposes that AAbs develop as the result of a combination of hereditary and environmental risk factors that cause an autoantigen to be falsely recognized as alien by B cells; as a result, antibodies are produced for its destruction.
Autoantibodies are the basis for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus. Several theories exist about why autoantibodies are formed. The most common theory proposes that AAbs develop as the result of a combination of hereditary and environmental risk factors that cause an autoantigen to be falsely recognized as alien by B cells; as a result, antibodies are produced for its destruction.
Laboratory tests for lupus include the antinuclear antibody test (ANA) among others.
Learn more lupus related terms in our online glossary.
Learn more lupus related terms in our online glossary.
