On Origin and Evolution of the Antibody Molecule

Oreste, Umberto and Ametrano, Alessia and Coscia, Maria Rosaria (2021) On Origin and Evolution of the Antibody Molecule. Biology, 10 (2). p. 140. ISSN 2079-7737

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Abstract

The vertebrate immune system provides a powerful defense because of the ability to potentially recognize an unlimited number of pathogens. The antibody molecule, also termed immunoglobulin (Ig) is one of the major mediators of the immune response. It is built up from two types of Ig domains: the variable domain, which provides the capability to recognize and bind a potentially infinite range of foreign substances, and the constant domains, which exert the effector functions. In the last 20 years, advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and structural features of antibody in mammals and in a variety of other organisms have uncovered the underlying principles and complexity of this fundamental molecule. One notable evolutionary topic is the origin and evolution of antibody. Many aspects have been clearly stated, but some others remain limited or obscure. By considering a wide range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms through a literature survey about the topic, we have provided an integrated view of the emergence of antibodies in evolution and underlined the very ancient origins.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: e-Archives > Biological Science
Depositing User: Managing Editor
Date Deposited: 16 Mar 2023 11:34
Last Modified: 29 Jul 2025 03:50
URI: http://studies.sendtopublish.com/id/eprint/465

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