Immunoglobulins

Question 1

Immunoglobulin Definition

Answer 1

An antibody (Ab), also known as an immunoglobulin (Ig), is a large, Y-shaped protein produced mainly by plasma (B-lymphocytes) cells that is used by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

Question 2

IgG

Answer 2

Major Ig produced after IgM.
* MEMORY
* Opsonization
* Activates complement
* Present on surface of memory B-cells
* Neutralization of antigens
* Agglutination
* Can be transferred through placenta

Question 3

IgM

Answer 3

• Primary antibody to be produced
• Pentameric
• Theoretically, it has 10 binding sites, but only 5 are active
• Activates complement system
• Antigen neutralization
• Agglutination
• Present on naïve B-cells
• Not transferred through placenta

Question 4

IgA

Answer 4

Can either be monomeric or dimeric (connected by a J-chain)
* Produced in submucosa
* Found in bodily secretions
* Inhibits binding to mucosal surface

Binds antigens without triggering other events (ex not activating complement system)

Question 5

IgD

Answer 5

• Present on the surface of naïve B-cells

Question 6

IgE

Answer 6

Protects against parasites
* Work in conjunction with eosinophils and contain histamines
* Binds to mast cells + basophils
* Involved in type I hypersensitivity

Question 7

B-Cell Lymphocytes

Answer 7

Production of immunoglobulins. Responsible for hummoral immunity

Question 8

T-Cell Lymphocytes

Answer 8

Responsible for Cell mediated immunity