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What are Immunoglobulin?
Immune gamma
globulins, also known as antibodies, are specialized proteins that are produced
by plasma cells in response to specific foreign substances known as antigens.
They are the body’s way to identify and neutralize foreign objects like
bacteria and viruses. The main function of immune gamma globulins is to defend
the body against pathogens and foreign invaders. There are five main classes of
immune gamma globulins: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE. Each class has a specific
role to play depending on the type of antigen it is interacting with.
IgG: The most abundant immune gamma
globulin
IgG is the most common type of antibody found in human blood, tissue fluids,
and breast milk. Around 75-80% of the total antibody produced in the body
belongs to the IgG class. IgG antibodies can activate different immune cells
and proteins of the complement system to destroy pathogens or mark them for
destruction. Due to its small size, IgG antibodies are able to penetrate
tissues and provide protection to deeper areas of the body. They are the second
type of antibodies produced during an immune response and remain active for a
long time providing long-lasting immunity.
IgA: Protects mucosal surfaces
IgA antibodies are mainly found in external secretions like saliva, tears,
breast milk, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract secretions. Around 15-20%
of the total antibody content belongs to the IgA class. Their role is to
protect the mucosal surfaces that are constantly exposed to foreign pathogens.
Found in secretions, these antibodies neutralize microbes even before they
penetrate the epithelial surface and get a chance to invade tissues. IgA plays
an important role in protecting newborns by passing immune gamma globulins from
mother’s breast milk.
IgM: The first responder to Immunoglobulin
Immunoglobin is the first class of
antibodies produced in primary immune responses against new antigens or
pathogens not seen before. Around 5-10% of total antibodies are of the IgM
class. These low affinity but highly prominent antibodies are capable of
activating the complement system immediately. This allows for quick elimination
of new invaders before more long-lasting IgG responses mount up. IgM antibodies
have a pentameric structure which allows them to bind multiple antigens at
once.
IgD: Unknown Functions
The function of IgD antibodies is the least known as compared to other classes.
They make up less than 1% of total antibodies in circulation. IgD is present on
the surface of mature B cells and is believed to play a role in activation and
differentiation of B cells. However, its exact functions are still not clear.
IgE: Mediator of allergic reactions
IgE is produced in response to environmental allergens in sensitive
individuals. Its levels are extremely low in the body at around 0.05% of total
antibodies. However, IgE plays a significant role in triggering allergy
symptoms. It binds strongly to mast cells and basophils. When the same allergen
is encountered again, it cross-links IgE on these cells triggering the release
of histamine and other inflammatory mediators causing symptoms of allergies
like rhinitis, asthma etc.
Impact of Immune gamma globulin
Deficiencies
The adaptive immunity provided by immune gamma globulins plays a crucial role
in maintaining health and fighting infections. Any deficiencies in specific immune
gamma globulin classes can compromise immunity and make individuals prone to
certain types of recurrent infections. Some of the serious immune gamma
globulin deficiencies include:
– Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID): It is the most common form of
primary immunodeficiency and is often caused due to low levels of IgG and IgA
antibodies putting patients at high infection risk.
– X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia: Due to a genetic mutation, these patients cannot
produce mature B cells and have very low or no detectable immune gamma globulins
making them prone to severe pyogenic infections.
– Selective IgA Deficiency: Absence of IgA leaves mucosal barriers vulnerable
to bacterial and viral infections of respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
– Hyper IgM syndrome: Impaired IgG, IgA and IgE production due to defective
class switch recombination increases risk of opportunistic infections.
Immune gamma globulins play a vital role in coordinating the immune system’s
defense responses. While their deficiencies can increase infection
susceptibility, immune gamma globulin replacement therapy helps restore humoral
immunity in many patients. A better understanding of immune gamma globulin
functions facilitates identifying immunodeficiencies and improving therapeutic
approaches.
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