What is the effect on an antibody in a neutralization study when a soluble antigen is added?

In a neutralization study, the primary purpose is to assess the capability of antibodies to inhibit the biological activity of specific antigens. When a soluble antigen is introduced into the system, it binds with the antibodies present. This binding effectively neutralizes the antigen's activity or function. The process is characterized by a decrease in the available antigens that can interact with cell receptors or elicit a biological response.

Inhibition is the precise term used to describe this effect because it indicates that the antibody's action has prevented the antigen from carrying out its normal biological function. This neutralization is fundamental for understanding how antibodies can protect against pathogens by preventing them from entering cells or triggering harmful responses.

The other responses, while relevant in immunological contexts, do not correctly describe the effect of adding a soluble antigen in the context of neutralization. For instance, dilution pertains to the reduction of concentration but doesn't capture the functional aspect of antibody binding and inhibition. Complement fixation involves the activation of the complement system in presence of antigen-antibody complexes, which isn't the focus here. Hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells, which is not directly examined in a neutralization study focused on soluble antigens. Therefore, inhibition stands out as the correct interpretation for the