IMMUNOGLOBULIN A

(IgA) IgA Activity Transport Pathology IgA Test

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
• An antibody playing a critical role in mucosal immunity
• More IgA is produced in mucosal linings than all other
types of antibody combined; between 3 and 5g is
secreted into the intestinal lumen each day
• However, sources are correct when they indicate
immunoglobulin G as the most common form of
immunoglobulin in the human body.
• In its secretory form, IgA is the main immunoglobulin
found in mucous secretions, including tears, saliva,
colostrum, intestinal juice, vaginal fluid and secretions
from the prostate and respiratory epithelium.
• IgA1 is found in serum and made by bone marrow B
cells.
• In IgA2, the heavy and light chains are not linked with
disulfide but with noncovalent bonds. IgA2 is made by B
cells located in the mucosae and has been found to
secrete into colostrum, maternal milk, tears and saliva.
(IgA) IgA Activity Transport Pathology IgA Test

The high prevalence of IgA in mucosal areas is a result of a

cooperation between Fcplasma
receptor is athat
cells protein found
produce on the IgA
polymeric
(pIgA), and mucosalsurface of certain
epithelial cells cells - including
that express an natural
killer cells,
immunoglobulin receptor macrophages,
called the polymeric neutrophils,
Ig receptorand
(pIgR).
pIgA is released mast
from cells - that contribute
the nearby to the protective
activated plasma cells and
functions
binds to pIgR. This results of the immuneofsystem.An
in transportation IgA across
mucosal epithelial cells and its cleavage from pIgR for release
into external secretions.

In the blood, IgA interacts with an Fc receptor called FcαRI (or

CD89), which is expressed on immune effector cells, to initiate
inflammatory reactions. Ligation of FcαRI by IgA containing
immune complexes causes antibody-dependent cell-mediated
cytotoxicity (ADCC), degranulation of eosinophils and basophils,
phagocytosis by monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and
eosinophils, and triggering of respiratory burst activity by
polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
(IgA) IgA Activity Transport Pathology IgA Test

• Polymeric IgA (mainly the secretory dimer) is

produced by plasma cells in the lamina propria
adjacent to mucosal surfaces. It binds to the
polymeric immunoglobulin receptor on the
basolateral surface of epithelial cells and is taken
up into the cell via endocytosis. The receptor-IgA
complex passes through the cellular compartments
before being secreted on the luminal surface of the
epithelial cells, still attached to the receptor.
Proteolysis of the receptor occurs and the dimeric
IgA molecule, along with a portion of the receptor
known as the secretory component, are free to
diffuse throughout the lumen. In the gut, it can bind
to the mucus layer on top of the epithelial cells to
form a barrier capable of neutralizing threats before
they reach the cells.
(IgA) IgA Activity Transport Pathology IgA Test

• Decreased or absent IgA, termed selective IgA deficiency, can

be a clinically significant immunodeficiency.
•Neisseria gonorrhœae (causes gonorrhea) releases a protease
which destroys IgA
•IgA nephropathy is caused by IgA deposits in the kidneys. It is
not yet known why IgA deposits occur in this chronic disease.
Some theories suggest it is an abnormality of immune system
that results in these deposits.
(IgA) IgA Activity Transport Pathology IgA Test

• An IgA test measures the blood level of

immunoglobulin A, one of the most common
antibodies in the body.
• Antibodies are proteins made by the immune
system to fight bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
• IgA is found in high concentrations in the body's
mucous membranes, particularly the respiratory
passages and gastrointestinal tract, as well as in
saliva and tears.
• IgA also plays a role in allergic reactions.
• Its levels rise in response to the presence of
allergens, such as pet dander, in sensitive people.
• IgA levels also may be high in autoimmune
conditions, disorders in which the body mistakenly
makes antibodies against healthy tissues.
The dimeric IgA molecule

A heavy chain is the large

polypeptide subunit of a
protein complex, such as a
motor
A lightprotein
chain (e.g.
is themyosin,
small
kinesin, or dynein)
polypeptide subunitorof a
antibodycomplex
protein (or such as a
immunoglobulin).
motor protein (e.g. myosin,
kinesin, or dynein) or an
J chain is(or
antibody a protein
component of the
immunoglobulin).
antibodies IgM and IgA.
Secretory component is
a component of IgA which
consists of a portion of
polymeric immunoglobulin
receptor.