An antigen is a foreign particle that can create an immune response within a person’s body. They are also known by the term immunogenicity and can include pollen, viruses, bacteria, or chemicals.
Antibodies are also known as immunoglobulins and these proteins are created by the body. They work to fight against the antigens.
Antigens are typically divided into
self and non-self-antigens. Self-antigens, like cancer cells, form within the body. Non-self-antigens come from outside the body. They stimulate your immune system to produce more antibodies, exemplifying the difference between antigen and antibody.
There are a total of 5 types of antibodies, each of which is different. They are IgA, IgE, IgG, IgM, and IgD.
IgA protects the surfaces of the body which receive exposure to foreign, outside substances.
IgE causes a reaction in the body against foreign substances, including animal dander, pollen, and fungus spores. These antibodies are part of allergic reactions to some poisons and certain medications. Those with allergies tend to have high quantities of this type of antibody.
IgG plays a key role in fighting infections of a bacterial or viral nature. These are the only antibodies that are able to cross the placenta of a pregnant woman, offering protection to the fetus while still in utero.
When an infection occurs, IgM antibodies are the very first type of antibodies to be made as a response. They will lead to other cells in the immune system destroying foreign substances.
Experts are still unclear as to what exactly IgD antibodies d
