What role do antibodies play in the immune system?

Antibodies are essential components of the immune system, known primarily for their ability to bind to antigens. Antigens are foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria, that provoke an immune response. When antibodies attach to these antigens, they can neutralize the pathogens directly or mark them for destruction by other immune cells, essentially tagging them for recognition. This binding mechanism is a critical aspect of how the immune system identifies and responds to infections, ensuring that harmful invaders are effectively targeted and eliminated.

In contrast, promoting pathogen growth, destroying lymphocytes, or producing red blood cells does not reflect the primary biological function of antibodies. Their main purpose aligns solely with the binding to antigens and facilitating the immune response.