What role do proteins play regarding the immune system?

Proteins are essential components of the immune system, playing multiple critical roles that support immune function. They serve as the building blocks of antibodies, which are proteins that help identify and neutralize foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Additionally, proteins are involved in the formation of various immune cells, including T-cells and B-cells, which are vital for adaptive immunity and the body's ability to remember and respond to pathogens.

Furthermore, proteins contribute to the production of cytokines, signaling molecules that aid in communication between cells during immune responses. This communication is vital for orchestrating the actions of different immune cells to ensure a coordinated response to infections or injuries.

The body's ability to synthesize these proteins depends heavily on adequate protein intake through the diet, highlighting the connection between nutrition and immune health. When protein intake is insufficient, it can compromise the immune response, making the body more susceptible to infections.

The other options obviously do not capture the broad and essential roles that proteins play in maintaining and enhancing the immune system's effectiveness, reinforcing why the assertion that proteins are crucial for proper immune system function is accurate and vital to understanding nutrition and immunology.