Structure and function relationships in IgA

J. M. Woof, M. W. Russell

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    257 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Immunoglobulin A (IgA) has a critical role in immune defense particularly at the mucosal surfaces, and is equipped to do so by the unique structural attributes of its heavy chain and by its ability to polymerize. Here, we provide an overview of human IgA structure, describing the distinguishing features of the IgA1 and IgA2 subclasses and mapping the sites of interaction with host receptors important for IgA's functional repertoire. Remarkably, these same interaction sites are targeted by binding proteins and proteases produced by various pathogens as a means to subvert the protective IgA response. As interest in the prospect of therapeutic IgA-based monoclonal antibodies grows, the emerging understanding of the relationship between IgA structure and function will be invaluable for maximizing the potential of these novel reagents.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)590-597
    Number of pages8
    JournalMucosal Immunology
    Volume4
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Nov 2011

    Keywords

    • FC-ALPHA-RI
    • POLYMERIC IMMUNOGLOBULIN RECEPTOR
    • HUMAN SERUM IGA1
    • J-CHAIN
    • SECRETORY COMPONENT
    • STREPTOCOCCUS-PNEUMONIAE
    • NEISSERIA-MENINGITIDIS
    • A1 IGA1
    • MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION
    • BORDETELLA-PERTUSSIS

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Structure and function relationships in IgA'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this