April 16th 2009. Antibodies aka immunoglobulins. The structure of an antibody consists of 2 heavy chains, 2 light chains. The flexible area of the heavy chain located about midregion is called the hinge region because it bends to assume the T or Y shape. At the ends of the “arms” of the T or Y is the region called the antigen binding site. This site recognizes and binds to unique antigens of complementary shapes. The hinge region allows for binding of two antigens some distance apart. Antibodies are taggers, they tag the surface of the pathogen for the macrophage to find it. Macrophages are the killers of the pathogens. Neutrophils are the suicide squad, they destroy the pathogen along with themselves in the process. There are 5 classes of immunoglobulins:
IgD-is a monomer located on the surface of a B-cell. Its function is to recognize antigens
IgA-is a dimer located in bodily secretions and passes through breast milk.. Its function is to prevent antigens from binding to the mucosal surface.
IgM-is a pentamer and the 1st antibody class secreted by plasma cells after the initial exposure to any antigen. Its function is recognition and lysis.
IgE-is a monomer and is located on the surface of mast cells and basophils. Its function is to induce the release of histamine in the presence of antigens.
IgG-is a monomer found in the blood, lymph, and intestines. Its function is protect against bacteria and viruses by enhancing phagocytosis, neutralizing toxins and triggering the complement system. This class can cross the placenta from mother to fetus.
During a 2nd exposure, memory B-cells will make clonal copies, faster mitosis to replicate cells. Memory B-cells are activated B-cells that went through mitosis in the 1st exposure and left a group a cells that will remain and circulate throughout one’s body for the rest of their life.
Vaccination is an occurrence in every life unless there is a personal reason or belief against having them. When I was in elementary school we were given vaccines at school. Today you take your child to your healthcare provider. The vaccine introduces a small part of a microbe that has been weakened or killed so it will not infect, into a person to mount an immune response. It is quickly cleared away but the memory B-cells are left circulating in our systems waiting for a 2nd exposure if there is one.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think that it is fascinating that IgG antibody can cross the placenta. Its reassuring to know that I helped to build my son's immunity. I knew that breast feeding help to also build immunity, but I never knew how.
ReplyDeleteI was very skeptical about my son having shots. I think that exposure to certain toxins is good. Now that I understand how vaccines work I think that they can be okay.