Natural antibodies (NAb) are defined as those immunoglobulins (mainly IgM isotype) continuously secreted by B1 type lymphocytes without any previous external antigen stimulation. To date, a broad range of NAb target carbohydrates (NAbC) have been characterized and can be divided into three different groups: 1) conservative NAbC that are practically the same regarding specificity and blood levels in all healthy individuals; 2) alloantibodies to blood group antigens and xenoantibodies to antigens from other species; 3) plastic antibodies, which include antibodies from the two previous groups but with variable levels during certain conditions, such as pregnancy or inflammation. In addition, studies have shown that some NAbCs could react to tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens, which are associated with worse tumor progression. Learn more: Polysaccharides Antibody Development Services
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