Anti-Human IgA (Clone HP6123) - APC - 50 µg

2 - 8°C Wet Ice

IgA antibodies protect epithelial surfaces from infection by preventing the attachment ofbacteria, viruses, and other pathogens to epithelial cells as well as by neutralizing bacterial toxinsat mucosal surfaces1. IgA antibodies also provide protection against infection in newborns viathe ingestion of breast milk, into which IgA is naturally secreted. IgA can also act as an opsoninand weak complement activator as part of the immune defense response. IgA-secreting plasma cells are found in lamina propria, a type of connective tissue locatedimmediately below the basement membrane of surface epithelia1. Once secreted, IgA antibodiesare transported to the external surface of the epithelium as a dimer, where they bind to the poly-Ig receptor present on the basolateral surface of epithelial cells. Transcytosis and cleavage of thereceptor then occur, which releases the extracellular portion of the Ig receptor while still attachedto the Fc region of IgA. This molecule can then diffuse into the extracellular space and drain intothe bloodstream.

0.2 mg/ml

IgA is produced by B lymphocytes. IgA is secreted by connective tissue, especially intestinal and respiratory tracts as well as lactating breast tissue. IgA is the major Igisotype present in extracellular fluids secreted by epithelia and is also present in serum.