03 3. Comparative Analysis: Mechanisms of Antibody Action
1Neutralization
Antibody Involvment
- Any Ig (IgG, IgA)
Mode of Operation
- Coats viral surfaces, blocking attachment and cellular entry
2Agglutination
Antibody Involvment
- Primarily IgM (10 binding sites)
Mode of Operation
- Glues multiple bacterial cells into massive clumping clumps for phagocytosis
3Precipitation
Antibody Involvment
- IgG / IgM
Mode of Operation
- Converts soluble antigens into insoluble precipitates engulfed by macrophages
4Lysis
Antibody Involvment
- Antibody + Complement
Mode of Operation
- Activates complement cascade, puncturing bacterial membranes
5Antitoxin Action
Antibody Involvment
- Antibody + Complement
Mode of Operation
- Neutralizes bacterial exotoxins, converting them into harmless complexes