Neutralizing antibodies against a ligand such as IFN-b can be against either the receptor binding domain or against other parts of the molecule.

When they are against the receptor binding domain they simply block IFN-b interaction with the receptor. When NAbs bind to other parts of the IFN-b molecule they can inhibit ligand dimerization, or the dimerization of receptors that is necessary for signal transduction. By either blocking receptor interaction or inhibiting signal transduction, NAbs abrogate or diminish the biological effects of IFN-b.

 

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