IMMUNOLOGY AND SEROLOGY

Fragment antigen binding ( fab)

-region of an antibody which binds to antigen

-composed of one constant and on variable domain of each of the heavy and light chain

Parotope ( domains shape )

-antigen binding site at the amino terminal end of the monomer

*two variable domains bind the epitope on their specific antigens

Epitope ( antigenic determinant )

-part of macromolecule that is recognized by the immune system

- sensitive to antibodies, B cells, T cells

Parotope

-part of an antiboby that recognizes the epitope

*although epitopes are usually though to be derived from nonself proteins, sequences derived from the
host that can be recognized are also classifies as epitopes
ANTIBODY HETEROGENECITY

Isotypes

Two light chain isotypes kappa and lamda

Five heavy chain isotypes micron, gamma, delta,alpha, epsilon

Allotypes

- genetic marker ( blood groups and usually the result of minor amino acid differences) on
immunoglobulins that are segregated within the species and inherited in Mendelian fashion ex: Km ( on
k light chains ) and Gm ( on IgG heavy chains )

Idiotypes

-each antibody varies in its amino acid sequences in the variable regions of both heavy and light chains
to create different specificities
CLASSES ( ISOTYPES ) OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN

Classes based on constant region of the heavy chains

-IgM

-IgG

-IgA

-IgE

-IgD

Differentiation of heavy chain

-length of constant region

-location of disulfide bonds

-hinge region

-distribution of carbohydrates

Classes have different effector functions

IG CLASS HEAVY CHAIN LIGHT

CHAIN
IgM Mu Kappa / lamda

IgG Gamma Kappa / lamda

IgA Alpha Kappa / lamda

IgE Epsilon Kappa / lamda

IgD Delta Kappa / lamda

 IgM

- secreted form is mainly pentameric monomers are associated with J chain ( 900 kDa )

- main antigen receptor on B cell monomeric form

- found in circulation ( large molecule )

: effective against blood borne microorganism

- agglutinates microorganism because it is multivalent

- activates complement system classical pathway leads to opsonisation and lysis

- first antibody class to be produced in immune response ( Adult serum levels of 0.5 2.00 mgs/ml )

- accounts for 5- 10 % of total serum proteins

- held together by disulfide bonds and J chain

- molecular weight : 900,000 1,000,000 ( millionaire molecule)

- half life : 5 day

IgG

- monomer ( 150 kDa)

- antibody in internal fluid and blood stream ( 10-20 mgs/l ) combats microorganism and neutralizes
toxins

- activates complement system classical pathway for opsonisation and lysis

- opsonisation and killing through Fc receptors antibody dependent cellular cytoxicity ( ADCC)

- only antibody class to cross the placenta protects the newborn during neonatal period

- there are 4 sub classes of IgG

- percentage serum antibodies : 80%

- location: blood, lymph, intestine

- half life in serum: 23 days

- complement fixation: yes

- placental transfer: yes

- known function: enhances phagocytosis, neutralizes toxins and viruses, protects fetus and newborn
 IgA

- exist in monomeric ( 160 kDa ) and dimeric forms ( 400 kDa ) with secretory piec

- antibody in secretions saliva, tears, breast milk, bronchial and intestinal secretion ( serum levels 1.4-
4.00 mgs/ml )

- binds to macrophages and PMNs role in opsonisation

- constitutes 10 -15% of total immunoglobulins

-present in milk,saliva,tears,digestive tract and genitourinary tract

-in serum exist as monomer

-in external secretions exist as dimer called secretory immunoglobulin

-has J chain and secretory piece

- half life: 6-8 days

IgE

-monomer ( 190 kDa )

-binds to Fc receptor for IgE on mast cells and basophils- activates cell leading to mediator release and
acute inflammation

-provides protection at external body surfaces ( serum levels 17- 450 mgs/ml ) elevated in parasitic
infection

- structure is similar to IgG

- has 4 constant region

- Molecular weight: 1,90,00

- half life: 2 days

- heat labile ( inactivated ar 56 degree celsius in 1 hour

- normal serum concentration: 0.3 ug/ml

- mostly present extra cellularity

- does not cross placenta

 IgD

- monomer found mainly ( with IgM) on the surface of B cells ( 185 kDa )

- receptor molecule with unknown function ( regulates lymphocytes activation)

- found in low levels in serum ( 0- 0.2)

- structure is similar to IgG

- serum concentration: 30 microorganism pe ml

- constituents 0.2 % of total immunoglobulin

- half life: 3 days

- IgD together with IgM is major membrane bound immunoglobulin on unstimulated B lymphocytes
acts as recognition receptors for antigen