Pauling's Theory of Antibody Formation

**Introduction:**

The Pauling theory of antibody formation for an immune response is a theory developed by biochemist Linus Pauling in the 1940s. This theory examines the process of antibody formation in the body's immune system, which occurs with the participation of the main components of the immune system - lymphocytes (blood cells responsible for protecting against infection) and antigens (foreign substances that can cause an immune response). In the article we will consider the main provisions of Pauling's theory of antibody formation and its significance for understanding the functioning of the immune system.

**What are antibodies?**

Antibodies are proteins produced by the body's immune system to fight infectious agents. They consist of linear peptides that bind antigen molecules. An antibody can react to an antigen in two ways - by fixing on it or by attaching to other cells. Fixed antibodies can prevent further penetration of microbes or absorb them. And antibodies attached to neighboring cells can block the spread of microbes throughout the body. However, with a large number of antibodies, the binding of the antigen to the cell can lead to cell death. Mechanism