What are antibodies?

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system in response to specific pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. Their primary function is to recognize and bind to unique structures known as antigens found on the surface of these pathogens. This binding helps neutralize the pathogen directly or marks it for destruction by other components of the immune system.

The reason why antibodies are classified as proteins is due to their complex structure and the way they are produced by immune cells known as B lymphocytes. These proteins play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response, providing long-lasting immunity and helping the body to identify and eliminate potential threats.

Other options, while related to the immune system, describe different components or functions. Hormones that regulate immune responses refer to signaling molecules that help coordinate the immune response but are not antibodies themselves. Cells that initiate the inflammatory response might include various types of immune cells, but these are distinct from antibodies. Lastly, pathogens that elicit an immune response are the targets of antibodies, not the antibodies themselves. Thus, the description of antibodies as proteins that recognize and help neutralize pathogens is the most accurate and comprehensive.