-IgM
is the first antibody produced when the T-cells find the antigen
-IgM is the first class of antibodies to be made after the humoral response is activated.
-The antibodies that appear after immunization.
-IgM are also very efficient at trapping viral infections.
-Is the first antibody a baby makes.
-IgM can activate the complement system.
-IgM are also good at binding antigens together so they can be eaten by a white blood cell.
-IgM's travel in star clusters. They are joined at the base of five Y's.
- IgM accounts for ca. 10% of Immunoglobulin
.
-It is the biggest antibody
IgM has a half-life of 10 days.
IgA
is found in breast milk, saliva, tears and mucus.
-IgA is an important antibody newborns get from their mother's milk.
-IgA starts being made at birth but even by one year old a child has only 20% of the adult level.
-IgA can exit the blood stream and go into body fluids.
-They are also first defense for mucosal surfaces such as the intestines, nose, and lungs.
-IgA sometimes travels in groups of two or more IgA antibodies joined at the base of the Y.
- Up to 20% of antibodies made are of the IgA type.
-IgA has a half-life of 6 days.
IgE
is involved in allergic reaction.
-IgE is extremely hard to find and accounts for 0.001% of free-floating antibody in the blood stream.
-Some scientists think that IgE's purpose is to stop parasites.
- IgE is important protection in underdeveloped countries where parasites multiply in unsanitary conditions.
- IgE type antibodies having a half-life of 2 days before being broken down.
Scientists are not certain on what free circulating IgD does.
-Like IgE, IgD is a rare antibody. There are only about 1% of free-floating blood cells.
- IgD: a surface receptor on lymphocytes. It is present in large quantities on circulating B lymphocytes
-Like IgE, IgD is a rare antibody. There are only about 1% of free-floating blood cells.
IgD type antibodies having a half-life of 2 days before being broken down.
IgG
is the antibody passed from mother to child before birth.
-IgG main type made when exposed for the second time to the antigen.
-Also when the immune system has finished developing these have the major role.
-IgG has a higher affinity, and stays in circulation less time than IgM.
-IgG can activate the complement system.
IgG works best in the circulatory system.
IgG is the major circulating antibody.[70%]
IgG has a half-life of 20 days.
