IMMUNOGLOBULINS

Immunoglobulins are glycoproteins which protect us from microbial infections. Produced by plasma cells following antigenic stimulation. Present on B-cell surface, where act as antigenic receptors. Also present in plasma & other body secretions. Capable of recognising & binding antigen in a highly specific manner.

Property Mol. Wt. (kDa) IgG1 150 IgG2 150 IgG3 IgG4 IgA1 IgA2 IgM IgE IgD 150 150 150160 150160 900 190 150

Heavy Serum Chain Conc. (mg/ml.) 9 1 3 2

Serum half life (in vivo) Days 23 23 8 23 6 6 5 2.5 3

Presence on mature BCells + +

Mucosal Transport ++ ++ + -

3 4 1 2

1 0.5 3 0.5 1.5 0.0003 0.03