Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Published on: July 31, 2021
Asymmetric antibodies: a protective arm in pregnancy
G Gutierrez1, T Gentile, S Miranda
1IDEHU-Institute of Humoral Immunity Studies (CONICET-UBA), School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
In normal conditions, a simple change in the pattern of cytokines towards a Th2 response is associated with the production of aggressive antibodies. This fact could not completely explain phenomena such as the fetal survival or the chronicity of certain infections. However, it has been demonstrated that Th2 cytokines increase the proportion of asymmetric antibodies, which are unable to activate effector immune mechanisms (complement fixation, clearance of antigens and phagocytosis). Investigations of asymmetrically glycosylated antibodies demonstrated that these IgG molecules have an extracarbohydrate in one of the Fab regions. This glycosylation affects their antigen interaction turning them into a functionally univalent and blocking antibodies. It has been established that their synthesis is increased under different physiopathological situations involving Th2 responses: chronic infections by extracellular microorganisms, pregnancy and allergic processes. In this review we summarize the experiments performed by our research group over the last years as well as the advances made concerning the role and mechanism of asymmetric antibodies.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
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...
Antibody Structure and Classes
The basic structure of an antibody consists of four protein chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds and other non-covalent interactions, forming a Y-shaped structure.
Antibody Actions
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Cross-reactivity

