Antibodies are proteins. Each antibody has four polypeptides (peptides that consist of two or more amino acids), including two heavy chains and two light chains.
Each antibody structure consists of two heavy chains and two light chains, which join to form a Y-shaped molecule. Each type of antibody has a different amino acid sequence at the tips of the “Y” which is why each antibody is shaped differently.
Each type of monoclonal antibody targets a specific antigen. As a result, monoclonal antibodies can treat a number of health conditions, including:
Antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 (V体育官网) can be found in the blood of people who have recovered from the infection or those who have received the COVID-19 (V体育官网) vaccine. If you’ve already had COVID-19 (V体育官网), getting the vaccine increases your body’s antibody response and improves your protection against the virus.
You can take an antibody test to find out if you have COVID antibodies. Antibody tests are available at laboratories and some pharmacies. You can also obtain them from your healthcare provider.
Research is still ongoing, but studies show that people who had COVID-19 (V体育官网) have antibodies for at least five to six months. One study found that people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 (V体育官网) have memory B cells, which can stay in your body for years and target the virus specifically. This means you’ll be able to produce antibodies quickly if you’re exposed to the virus again.
Thyroglobulin antibodies are often found in people who have thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. These antibodies target thyroglobulin proteins (precursors of thyroid hormones) and can potentially destroy the thyroid gland.
If your healthcare provider suspects thyroid problems, they may recommend an antithyroglobulin antibody test. This test is also performed to monitor progress after thyroid cancer treatment.
If antithyroglobulin antibodies are found in your blood, then it could indicate thyroid problems, including:
Also known as antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), autoantibodies target normal proteins in a cell’s nucleus. Autoantibodies mistake normal, healthy proteins as dangerous and unwanted. As a result, your body begins attacking itself. Most people have small amounts of autoantibodies. In large quantities, however, autoantibodies usually indicate an autoimmune disease.
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A blood test called the fluorescent antinuclear antibody test is the most common way to test for antinuclear antibodies. During this test, your healthcare provider views fluorescent-labeled antibodies under a microscope to determine the intensity and pattern of the fluorescence. This test is commonly used to rule out lupus.
A positive ANA test result tells your healthcare provider to keep looking for a diagnosis. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have an autoimmune disease. If you get a positive result, then your provider will likely recommend further testing.
Antibodies are your immune system’s way of protecting you from infections, allergens and toxins. Your body produces these proteins naturally. Sometimes, lab-made monoclonal antibodies are used to treat certain health problems, such as cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and more.
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Last reviewed on 05/06/2022.
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