What is the term for the proteins made by the body that help neutralize disease?

The correct term for the proteins made by the body that help neutralize disease is antibodies. Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system in response to pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. They bind to specific antigens on the surface of these pathogens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells or neutralizing their harmful effects directly. This ability to recognize and bind to foreign substances is crucial for the immune response and forms the basis for immunological memory, which is essential for long-term protection against diseases.

While enzymes facilitate various biochemical reactions and hormones are signaling molecules that regulate physiological processes, they do not specifically target pathogens for neutralization. Vaccines, on the other hand, are preparations that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies but are not the proteins themselves. Understanding the role of antibodies highlights their importance in maintaining health and combating infections.