What role do antibodies play in the immune response?

Antibodies play a crucial role in the immune response by helping to attract and facilitate the action of other white blood cells. When pathogens such as bacteria or viruses invade the body, antibodies specifically recognize and bind to these foreign invaders. This binding can neutralize the pathogens directly or mark them for destruction by other components of the immune system.

By attracting other white blood cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, antibodies enhance the body's ability to clear infections. These other white blood cells can then engulf and destroy the pathogens more effectively. Therefore, the function of antibodies is essential to coordinating and amplifying the immune response, turning a specific defense mechanism into a robust and efficient attack against disease-causing agents.