A hereditary immunoglobulin A abnormality: absence of light-heavy—chain assembly: Study of immunoglobulin synthesis in tonsillar cells

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Abstract

A new immunoglobulin A abnormality, absence of assembly of α-chain and light-chain, was found in an adult female suffering from recurrent upper respiratory infection and tonsillitis since childhood, but otherwise healthy. The IgA abnormality was manifest in her serum by the presence of free α-chains, in her saliva by the presence of α-chains bound to secretory piece, and in her urine by the presence of free α-chains and free light-chains. The serum IgG and IgM were found to be complete, containing both heavy-chains and light-chains.

Authors

Chaya Moroz, Jacob Amir, Andre De Vries