Immunoglobulin assays
Automated solutions for the measurement of IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM
Overview
What are immunoglobulin assays?
Immunoglobulins are glycoproteins consisting of heavy and light chains produced by plasma cells that mediate humoral immunity by producing IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA and IgE1,2.
Immunoglobulins comprise approximately 20% of the protein in plasma.1
Quantitative analysis of serum immunoglobulins is considered a first-line diagnostic measure for primary immunodeficiency.
Learn more about primary immunodeficiencies (PID)
Structural differences
There are five classes of antibodies, each having a slightly different structure:
- IgG, IgE and IgD are found primarily in a monomeric form
- IgA can be monomeric or dimeric
- IgM is usually found in a pentameric ring
These structural differences give them different functions and allow them to be found in different locations in the body.
IgG
Neonatal immunity
IgG is the most abundant antibody and is found intra and extravascular. It is very good at activating complement and opsonisation, IgG can also cross the placenta to provide neonatal immunity.
IgM
Targets bacteria for phagocytosis
IgM is primarily found in the serum, it is the first Ab made in an immune response, and because of its pentameric structure it is very good at activating complement. It is also a good opsoniser – meaning it targets bacteria for destruction by phagocytes.
IgA
Protection against bacterial and viral adhesion
IgA is found in our mucosal surfaces. IgA protects mucosal membranes by inhibiting bacterial and viral adhesion to epithelial cells.
IgE
Allergic response
IgE is classically associated with allergic responses and elicits mast cell degranulation, making it very important in parasitic infections.
IgD
Enhancing immune surveillance
IgD is primarily found in the serum. IgD appears to enhance immune surveillance by “arming” myeloid effector cells such as basophils and mast cells with IgD antibodies reactive against mucosal antigens. It is also thought to play a role in maintaining the quiescence of autoreactive B cells and restricting their differentiation into autoantibody-secreting cells
Immunodeficiency testing
Proven expertise
- Producing tests which are optimized for the best specificity – Patented technology allows for the production of highly specific antisera ensuring reliable measurement of immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin subclasses
- Producing tests which are optimized for the best sensitivity – Assays are optimized and where necessary utilize latex technology to ensure accurate results, even for deficient samples and samples at the low end of the paediatric normal range
- Offering standardized assays* – Our immunoglobulin assays are traceable to the internationally recognized reference material ERM-DA470k, which is accepted by the IFCC and provides accurate quantification. We can provide conversion factors for customers wishing to compare our assay result with results obtained on assays calibrated to WHO67/97
- Offering an extensive range of immunoglobulins for automated testing services
- Providing specialist diagnostic products to clinicians and laboratory professionals across the globe
Binding Site provides automated solutions for the measurement of IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM on the Optilite® Analyser.
Over 30 years of experience in immunodeficiency testing
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References
1. Justiz Vaillant AA, Jamal Z, Patel P, et al. Immunoglobulin. [Updated 2022 Nov 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513460/
2. Gutzeit, Cindy et al. “The enigmatic function of IgD: some answers at last.” European journal of immunology vol. 48,7 (2018): 1101-1113. doi:10.1002/eji.201646547 Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6033660/