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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1997
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The_Epic_Interactive_Encyclopedia_97.iso
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antibody
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1992-09-03
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22 lines
Animal tissue reacts with the presence of a
virus or other foreign protein by producing
antibodies. These neutralise the specific
PROTEIN for which they are made, though they
have no effect on any other protein unless
it is very similar. These antibodies remain
in the bloodstream for some time after the
offending protein has been eliminated, thus
providing some degree of immunity.
The ability of antibodies to provide
protection is the mechanism by which a
VACCINE works.
Immunity is provided in two basic ways:
either the antibodies (usually from animals
infected by the disease) are injected into
the bloodstream or a suspension of killed or
inactivated virus is injected so that
antibodies are produced without the DISEASE
itself developing.
Subject by: Graham Hamilton