What is the function of antibodies in relation to viruses?

Antibodies play a crucial role in the immune system's response to viruses. Their primary function is to neutralize and destroy viruses. When the body is exposed to a virus, the immune system produces antibodies that specifically target the virus. These antibodies can bind to the virus, blocking its ability to infect cells and facilitating its removal from the body.

The neutralization process prevents the virus from attaching to and entering host cells, which is essential for stopping the progression of an infection. Additionally, antibodies can mark viruses for destruction by other components of the immune system, such as phagocytes, which engulf and digest the virus.

Understanding the role of antibodies highlights their significance in the body’s defense against viral infections and underlines the importance of vaccination, which aims to provoke the production of these protective antibodies without causing disease.