What it means
The main antibodyAN-tih-bod-eeA Y-shaped protein made by the immune system that sticks to one specific germ or foreign substance and marks it for destruction.anti- againstbody Full entry of the blood. The body makes it a little later in an infection than IgMeye-jee-EM (said as letters)Immunoglobulin M: the antibody the body makes first when it meets a new infection.Full entry , and it stays for months or years, which is why a positive IgG test often means a past infection or vaccination. It is the only antibody that crosses the placenta, so it protects a newborn for the first months of life.
At a glance
| Also written | immunoglobulin G |
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Related terms
antibody
A Y-shaped protein made by the immune system that sticks to one specific germ or foreign substance and marks it for destruction.
immunoglobulin
An antibody: a protein made by B cells that recognizes and helps destroy a specific germ or foreign substance.
immunity
The body's ability to resist or fight off a particular infection or disease.
IgM
Immunoglobulin M: the antibody the body makes first when it meets a new infection.