How do antigens influence the immune response?

Antigens play a crucial role in the immune response by eliciting an attack from antibodies. When the immune system encounters a foreign substance, known as an antigen, which can be a part of pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, the body's immune cells recognize these antigens as threats. In response, B cells are activated to produce antibodies that specifically target these antigens.

The antibodies bind to the antigens, marking them for destruction or neutralizing their effects. This process is essential for the immune system to identify and eliminate pathogens effectively. The interaction between antigens and antibodies is a fundamental mechanism of the adaptive immune response, leading to the clearance of the infectious agents and building memory for future encounters.

While lymphocytes are involved in the immune process, antigens do not inhibit their growth. Instead, they stimulate the growth and activity of specific immune cells. Antigens do not enhance the production of red blood cells, nor do they directly kill pathogens themselves; rather, they initiate a series of immune responses that lead to the neutralization or destruction of pathogens through the actions of antibodies and other immune cells.