Biochemestry _ BDS level 4 _ Types of immunoglobulins

1. By: Olla BaEissa
Types of immunoglobulins
Immunogloblin
heavy
chain
structure Function or roles note
IgG Gamma  Monomer only
1- have the ability to traverse
the blood vessels to tissues
2- pass through the placenta to
the fetus
3- important in the secondary
response
They are the most
abundant of the
circulating
antibodies
IgA Alpha 
- monomer in
serum (blood)
- dimer in
secretions as
sweat, tears and
saliva and in
mucosal fluids
- protect the walls of bronchi
and small intestine.
- high concentration in breast
milk
- help in transferring immunity
to the new born infants
IgM Mu  pentamer
They are produced in the
primary immune response
2- They are restricted to the
blood stream due to high mass
3- important in the primary
response
Its subunits are
held together by a
glycoprotein
called j-chain
(joining chain).
IgD Delta  monomer
1- present on the surface of B
cells where they function as
receptors for antigens
2-their function in serum is not
yet defined
present on the
surface of B cells
IgE Epsilon  monomer
1- important in protection
against parasites
2- They are involved mainly in
the development of allergic
responses
3- the release of histamine,
4- which produces contraction
of smooth muscles and
5 - stimulates secretion of
mucus.