Microbiology ANA GPAT 2018 Antibodies

An antibody (Ab), also known as an immunoglobulin (Ig) is a large, Y-shaped protein

produced mainly by plasma cells that is used by the immune system to neutralize

pathogens such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses. .

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Epitope (antigenic determinant): It is the part of an antigen that is recognized by the

immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells, or T cells.

Paratope (antigen-binding site): It is a part of an antibody which recognizes and

binds to an antigen.

Immunoglobulines are glycoproteins consisting of two pairs of polypeptide chains of

different size.

Light chain: smaller chain with mole wt 25000, similar in all classes of antibodies,

occurs in two varieties Kappa (k) and lambda (λ). Antibodies may have either Kappa (k)

and lambda (λ) chains but never together.

Heavy chain: larger chain with mole wt 50000, different in each class of antibody as

follows.

Types of antibody H-chain

IgA α (alpha)

IgD δ (delta)

IgE ε (epsilon)

IgG ɤ (gamma)

IgM μ (mu)

Resource Person: Dr. Mahesh Kale 1

+91-9890 222 776 www.anaedu.org +91-9860390781

 Microbiology ANA GPAT 2018 Antibodies

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Both chains are joined together by 1-5 S-S (disulphide) bond.

Amino terminus

Disulphide

Carboxy terminus

Resource Person: Dr. Mahesh Kale 2

+91-9890 222 776 www.anaedu.org +91-9860390781

 Microbiology ANA GPAT 2018 Antibodies

Comparison of antibodies:

IgG IgA IgM IgD IgE

Structure Monomer Dimer Pentamer Monomer Monomer
12 0.0004

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Serum conc (mg/ml) 2 1.2 0.03
(High) (Low)
900000
Mole wt 150000 160000 180000 190000
(high)
23 1-5
Half life (days) 6 5 2-8
(Long) (Short)
Yes
Placental transfer (passive No No No No
immunity)
Secretion in milk Yes Yes No No No
Heat stability Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Complement fixation
Yes No Yes No No
(Classical)
Complement fixation
No Yes No No No
(Alternative)

IgG : Secreted by plasma cells in blood, able to cross placenta in to fetus

IgA: present in saliva, tears, breast milk, and mucus secretions of the gastrointestinal,
respiratory, and genitourinary tracts

IgM: Attached to surface of B-cells, responsible for early stage of immunity (First formed
in the body)

IgD: Part of B-cell receptor, activates basophills and mast cells

IgE: Protects against paracitic worms, responsible for allergic reactions, Binds to
allergens and triggers histamine release from mast cells and basophils

Resource Person: Dr. Mahesh Kale 3

+91-9890 222 776 www.anaedu.org +91-9860390781