Role of natural and immune IgM antibodies in immune responses

M Boes - Molecular immunology, 2000 - Elsevier
Molecular immunology, 2000Elsevier
IgM antibodies constitute the major component of the natural antibodies and is also the first
class of antibodies produced during a primary antibody response. The IgM-type antibodies
differ from other classes of antibodies in that they are predominantly produced by B1 cells, in
the absence of apparent stimulation by specific antigens. In addition, IgM antibodies are
mostly encoded by germline V gene segments and have low affinities but broad specificites
to both foreign and self structures. New developments regarding the function of both immune …
IgM antibodies constitute the major component of the natural antibodies and is also the first class of antibodies produced during a primary antibody response. The IgM-type antibodies differ from other classes of antibodies in that they are predominantly produced by B1 cells, in the absence of apparent stimulation by specific antigens. In addition, IgM antibodies are mostly encoded by germline V gene segments and have low affinities but broad specificites to both foreign and self structures. New developments regarding the function of both immune IgM antibodies and natural IgM antibodies will be examined here.
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