What is the primary function of antibodies in the immune response?

Neutralizing antigens

 The correct answer is Option (1)- Neutralizing antigens

The primary function of antibodies in the immune response is to neutralize antigens. Antibodies are proteins produced by B-lymphocytes in response to pathogens or foreign substances. They bind to specific antigens, such as proteins or carbohydrates on the surface of pathogens, and can neutralize them in various ways. This includes blocking the entry of pathogens into host cells, preventing their replication, promoting their destruction by other immune cells, and marking them for clearance by phagocytes. By neutralizing antigens, antibodies help to eliminate pathogens and contribute to the defense against infections.

(b) Phagocytosing microbes: Antibodies themselves do not directly phagocytose microbes. Instead, they can bind to the surface of pathogens and mark them for phagocytosis by immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils. These immune cells have receptors that recognize the antibodies bound to the pathogens, leading to their engulfment and subsequent destruction.

(c) Activating T-lymphocytes: Antibodies do not directly activate T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes have their own specific receptors that recognize antigens presented on the surface of infected cells or antigen-presenting cells. This recognition triggers a T-cell response, which can include the activation of other immune cells or the production of cytokines.

(d) Stimulating cytokine production: Antibodies themselves do not stimulate cytokine production. Cytokines are small proteins that act as chemical messengers in the immune system, regulating immune responses. Cytokines are typically produced by immune cells such as T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells in response to antigen stimulation or other immune signals.

Overall, the primary function of antibodies is to neutralize antigens, while other immune cells and molecules are responsible for phagocytosis, activation of T-lymphocytes, and cytokine production in the immune response.