Last year knowledge recap Flashcards
What are immunoglobulins synthesised by? Where?
Plasma cells in bone marrow and lymph nodes.
What does the maturation of B Lymphocytes result in?
Plasma cells
What does each plasma cell produce?
Antibody molecules of a SINGLE ISOTYPE and an antigen binding specificity (clone).
How many antibody isotypes (class) are there?
- M A D G E.
When can an isotype be changed?
Isotypes can switch from M to A,G,E during B-Cell maturation before it becomes a plasma cell.
What is IgD?
A cell surface molecule present at low level in serum. Function is unknown.
What are ‘antibody factories’?
Plasma cells. Secrete antibodies at 2,000 molecules/second.
What is an immunoglobulin?
Glycoprotien molecules produced by plasma cells. AKA antibodies.
What are immunoglobulins made of?
2 identical heavy chains and 2 identical light chains.
Where are immunoglobulin chains produced?
Heavy and light chains are produced in different regions of the ER. Then assemble into single functional antibody secretion.
What are Kappa free light chains?
Excess light chains produced and secreted as independent molecules. Circulate as monomers.
What does the lambda free light chains do?
Usually forms dimers or larger polymers.
What happens to these excess light chains?
Enter the kidney and pas through glomerulus into proximal tubule which reabsorbs them and they degrade into smaller peptides which then recycle.
What feature of light chains allows them to pass through the kidneys easily?
Low molecular weight
