Difference between revisions of "Immunoglobulin D"

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==Structure==
 
==Structure==
  
IgD is Y-shaped. In rodents, it has two heavy chain constant regions, whereas other mammals have three. IgD has a long hinge region and no disulfide bonds.
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IgD is Y-shaped. In rodents, it has two δ heavy chain constant regions, whereas other mammals have three. IgD has a long hinge region and no disulfide bonds.
  
 
==Function==
 
==Function==

Revision as of 09:16, 25 May 2012

IgD
IgD - B. Catchpole, RVC 2008

Overview

Shortened to IgD.

IgD is present in ruminants, pigs, dogs and rodents but has not been identified in horses, cats, rabbits and chickens. It is mainly expressed on the surface of B-cells i.e. it is never secreted.

Structure

IgD is Y-shaped. In rodents, it has two δ heavy chain constant regions, whereas other mammals have three. IgD has a long hinge region and no disulfide bonds.

Function

IgD is only expressed in association with IgM. It is thought to be important in B-cell development, although it has been shown in δ chain knockout mice (so they have no functional IgD) do not have any noticeable defects in immune function.

Links

Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulin A

Immunoglobulin E

Immunoglobulin G

Immunoglobulin M

LIVE logo Originally funded by the RVC Jim Bee Award 2007