What is the role of antibodies in the immune response?

Antibodies play a crucial role in the immune response by identifying and neutralizing antigens, which are foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins that can provoke an immune response. When the body detects these antigens, B cells produce specific antibodies that bind to them. This binding can block the harmful effects of the antigens directly and can also mark them for destruction by other immune cells, such as phagocytes. Essentially, antibodies serve as key players in the immune system's defense strategy, helping to ensure that pathogens are effectively targeted and eliminated from the body, thus maintaining overall health and preventing disease.