Antibodies Function
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) IgG antibodies are found in blood
and extracellular fluid, where they
can neutralize toxins, viruses, and
bacteria, opsonize them for
phagocytosis, and activate the
complement system.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) The most abundant type of antibody
in the body, comprising most of the
immunoglobulin in secretions and a
significant amount of circulating
immunoglobulin. In secretions, it
serves to protect the mucosal
tissues from microbial invasion and
maintain immune homeostasis with
the microbiota.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) IgM is not only the initial line of
defense for the host against
infections, but it also plays a vital
role in immune modulation and
immunological tolerance.
Immunoglobulin D (IgD) IgD is a B cell antigen receptor that
can help in B cell maturation,
maintenance, activation, and
silencing. Although its precise
function is unknown, IgD may play a
role in humoral immune responses
by regulating B cell selection and
homeostasis.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) IgE is the least common, with a
serum concentration 10,000 times
that of IgG. However, IgE levels rise
dramatically in allergic illnesses
including bronchopulmonary
aspergillosis and parasitic infections
like schistosomiasis.
How is it produced?
IgG is found in both fetal and adult
livers, and it is thought to be
produced locally by B lymphocytes
or transported from the blood in the
form of immune complexes.
Furthermore, IgG concentrations in
hepatic and gall bladder bile have
been found to be high in both adult
humans and rats.
The majority of IgA is generated by
gastrointestinal lymphoid tissue in
most higher vertebrates, with minor
amounts synthesized at other
mucosal locations such as the
respiratory system, salivary glands,
and reproductive tract. Mammary
tissue includes a large number of
IgA-producing cells during lactation.
Because the bulk of them are
assumed to move from the gut,
protective IgA antibodies produced
by the mother against
gastrointestinal organisms in the
environment may be passed on to
the newborn through breast
feeding.
IgM is the primary antibody
produced during an initial antigen
challenge.
IgD is also produced in a secreted
form, which can be found in trace
amounts in blood serum.
IgE is produced by plasma cells in
lymph nodes draining the site of
antigen entry or by plasma cells
derived from germinal centers
growing within inflamed tissue at
the sites of allergic responses.