IgA (Ig alpha-1 Chain C region, IGHA1, Ig alpha-2 Chain C region, IGHA2)

Human IgA (immunoglobulin A) is a glycosylated protein of 160kDa and is produced as a monomer or as a J chain linked dimer. Monomeric IgA constitutes 5-15 % of the serum immunoglobulins whereas dimeric IgA is localized to mucosa surfaces such as saliva, gastrointestinal secretion, bronchial fluids and milk. Mucosal IgA plays a major role in host defence by neutralising infectious agents at mucosal surfaces. The production is usually local and antigen specific IgA producing B cells can be found in regions under the lamina propria where they mature into dimeric IgA producing plasma cells. IgA deficiency...