Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Characterization of Glycoproteins with the Immunoglobulin Fold by X-Ray Crystallography and Biophysical Techniques
Published on: July 5, 2018
IgA: an immune glycoprotein
Esther M Yoo1, Sherie L Morrison
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, 609 Charles E. Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. esthery@microbio.ucla.edu
Abstract:
IgA is a glycoprotein containing multiple N-linked carbohydrates as well as O-linked glycans in the case of IgA1. Because of the critical role it plays in providing protection at mucosal surfaces, IgA is an ideal candidate for use as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent. The presence or absence of carbohydrates, as well as their structure, has been found to influence effector functions and binding to specific IgA receptors. In addition, changes in IgA glycosylation are associated with immune pathology. A thorough understanding of the contributions of the glycans to IgA immune protection will aid in the design of clinically suitable antibodies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Glycocalyx and its Functions
Components of...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Antibody Structure
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...

