5 functions of antibodies
Antibody mediated cytotoxicity
The Fc region of the antibody interacts with eosinophils which release enzymes and reactive oxygen species to attack parasites
Opsonization
They bind to the surface of immunogens and the Fc region interacts with the phagocytes ("calls" them to the site of infection)
Agglutination
They clump particles together so phagocytosis can occur more efficiently
Neutralization
They stick to antigens and block their attachment sites Stops pathogens from entering the host cells
Complement activation
When antibodies activate a protein that assists in membrane perforation (membrane attack complex)