What are antibodies produced by?
A type of B lymphocyte called Plasma cells
What is the antibody produced in response to
Exposure to a foreign antigen
Describe the Primary Immune Response in relation to antibody levels
- At time of initial exposure to a foreign antigen, there is no antibody in blood and levels do not begin to increase for a numner of days
- The level of antibody rises slowly towards a low peak and then gradually declines towards baseline
Describe the Secondary Immune Response in relation to antibody levels
- On subsequent exposure to same antigen, the level of antibody begins to increase within 24 hours and reaches a high level which is sustained
The 3 different fractions that plasma proteins are made of?
- Albumin
- Globulins
- Fibrinogen
What are antibodies and what may they be referred to as?
Antibodies are proteins. They are referred to as gamma (Immuno) globulins.
What does each immunoglobulin consist of
Two heavy chains and two light chains
What is contained within the variable region of antibodies
Antigen combining bond sites
What are the light and heavy chains held together by
Disulfide bonds
What happens at the variable regions of the antibodies
The antibody binds to its specific antigen at the variable region
What are the other regions/domains called?
The constant region
Function of the constant region
- Anchors the antibody to the surface of the cells of the reticuloendothelial system (monocytes and macrophages) that are involved in the destruction of the cell carrying a foreign antigen
- Important in binding complement
- Determining the ability of an antibody to cross the placenta
What does the Hinge Region of the antibody do
Gives the molecule flexibility so the antigen binding sites may operate independently
What is the J-chain of an antibody
An additional protein found in IgM pentamer and IgA dimers which, along with the disulfide bonds, is involved in holding the Immunoglobulin (Ig) units together
Properties of IgG vs IgM antibodies
Type of heavy chain IgG
Gamma
Properties of IgG vs IgM antibodies
Type of heavy chain IgM
Mu
Properties of IgG vs IgM antibodies
No. of antigen combining sites per molecule IgG
2
Properties of IgG vs IgM antibodies
No. of antigen combining sites per molecule IgM
10
Properties of IgG vs IgM antibodies
Placental transfer IgG
YES
Properties of IgG vs IgM antibodies
Placental transfer IgM
NO
Properties of IgG vs IgM antibodies
Opt temp for rxn IgG
37 degrees C
Properties of IgG vs IgM antibodies
Opt temp for rxn IgM
4-20 degrees C
Properties of IgG vs IgM antibodies
Primary immune response involvement IgG
RARE
Properties of IgG vs IgM antibodies
Primary immune response involvement IgM
YES
