Question

Briefly describe how viruses can avoid antibodies?

Answer 1

In normal functioning, the antibody binds a receptor on an antigen that maybe viral in origin and bind to its receptor. But viruses have a fast rate of mutation thereby they avoid the antibodies.

A particular antibody is formed against the glycoprotein on the viral coat and bind to it. To avoid antibody the virus gene mutates and changes the glycoprotein structure. This change in a glycoprotein is then not recognized by the antibody and the virus is protected from the antibody.