Antibodies that attack the body's own tissues are called what?

• A. Autoantibodies
• B. Polyclonal antibodies
• C. Monoclonal antibodies
• D. Alloantibodies

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.
2. Define the term 'autoantibodies': These are antibodies that mistakenly target and react with a person's own tissues or organs, leading to autoimmune diseases.
3. Differentiate between the options: Polyclonal antibodies are a mixture of antibodies that react with different epitopes of the same antigen, while monoclonal antibodies are identical antibodies that react with a single epitope. Alloantibodies are antibodies that react with antigens from the same species but are genetically different, such as in blood transfusions.
4. Identify the correct term: Since the problem asks for antibodies that attack the body's own tissues, the term 'autoantibodies' is the correct answer.
5. Review the concept: Autoantibodies are involved in various autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.