What are antigens? How do these differ from antibodies?

Question

Emma Arvizu · Accepted Answer

Antigen is capable of generating an immune response and as a result antibodies are produced, which provide immunity against the antigen.

Antigens are molecules alien to an organism's system: when antigen invades the organism, its immune system responds by producing specific proteins called antibodies.

Antibodies are immunoglobulin molecules produced by
special white blood cells, in response to invasion by foreign antigen.
Pathogenic organisms like bacteria and toxins they produce, act as antigens.

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Antibodies are always protein, antigens are not
Antibodies are produced inside the body, antigens are foreign
Antibodies are Y shaped molecule, structure of antigens could be highly complex with multiple antigenic determinants

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Penelope Adams · Answer

undefined In summary, the immune system produces antibodies to neutralize antigens, while antigens are recognized as foreign molecules or substances that can trigger an immune response. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of antigens; these antibodies bind to antigens and mark them for destruction by other immune cells.