IgA
| Overview |
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- IgA is a particular isotype of Antibody (see page). It is the predominant isotype of antibody that is secreted by B-cells at mucosal epithelia and is thus a critical component of Mucosal Immunity.
| Structure |
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- IgA is dimeric and composed of two individual antibody molecules covalently attached at their Fc Region.
| Function |
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- IgA is largely secreted by Plasma Cells located right under epithelia as part of MALT. The antibody is captured by epithelial cells and transported to the epithelial surface which it coats. This coating of IgA reduces the binding of pathogenic microbes to the epithelial surface and may neutralize certain microbial toxins.