Online Microbiology and Biology Notes
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is one of the 5 classes of immunoglobulins, which is defined by the presence of epsilon (ε) heavy chain. It is present in circulation at very low concentrations of less than 1 µg/mL which is approximately 300-fold lower than that of IgG. Although least abundant, it is in many respects the most potent of the various antibody …
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is an antigen receptor on B cells and the first antibody produced in an immune response. It is present both on B cells, and as a soluble molecule in the blood. Because of its large size (900 kDa), IgM is found primarily in the intravascular space i.e. in the bloodstream and also lymph fluid. Serum IgM exists …
Antibodies, or ‘immunoglobulins’, are glycoproteins that bind antigens with high specificity and affinity. In humans there are five chemically and physically distinct classes of antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE). Immunoglobulin A (IgA), is the major class of antibody present in the mucosal secretions of most mammals. It is the key first line of defence against invasion by inhaled and …
Read moreImmunoglobulin A (IgA)- Structure, Subclasses and Functions