Endogenous antibodies (Ab)

Endogenous antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are Y-shaped glycoproteins produced by B-lineage cells that serve as central components of the adaptive immune system. They function by identifying and neutralizing foreign objects such as bacteria and viruses through specific binding to antigens. While essential for host defense, endogenous antibodies can become pathogenic in autoimmune diseases, where autoantibodies mistakenly target the body's own tissues, or in allergic conditions where IgE triggers hypersensitivity. Therapeutic strategies targeting these antibodies include the use of FcRn inhibitors to reduce circulating IgG levels, monoclonal antibodies like omalizumab to sequester IgE, and plasmapheresis to physically remove them from circulation. Because 'Endogenous antibodies' represents a broad class of proteins rather than a single molecular entity, it is often considered a collective target in the context of managing antibody-mediated pathologies.

Other names

ImmunoglobulinsNatural antibodiesAutoantibodiesPathogenic antibodiesCirculating antibodiesHost antibodies

Drugs targeting endogenous antibodies typically work by accelerating their degradation (e.g., via Neonatal Fc receptor [FcRn] inhibition), neutralizing specific isotypes (e.g., anti-IgE), or preventing their binding to cellular receptors to mitigate pathogenic immune responses.