COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 660
○ Neutralization of toxins
○ Complement activation [8]
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
● Second most abundant immunoglobulin (13-15% of total
serum immunoglobulins) [9]
● Exists in two forms: serum IgA and secretory IgA (sIgA) [10]
● Primary immunoglobulin at mucosal surfaces [11]
● Secretory IgA contains a secretory component that
enhances stability [12]
● Functions include:
○ First line of defense at mucosal barriers
○ Neutralization of pathogens at entry sites
○ Immune exclusion from gut lumen [13]
○ Regulation of commensal microbiota [14]
Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
● First antibody produced in immune responses [15]
● Pentameric structure with 10 antigen-binding sites [16]
● Short half-life of approximately 5 days [17]
● Primary functions:
○ Rapid response to novel antigens
○ Activation of complement cascade
○ Indicates acute/recent infection when elevated [18]
Clinical Significance and Interpretation
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