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Antibody Structure

Antibody Structure

Overview
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...

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...

Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions

Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...

Cross-reactivity

Cross-reactivity

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies

Published on: October 25, 2018

HUMAN ALLERGY TO MAMMALIAN SERA.

¹Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine

|October 30, 2009

Summary

Patients allergic to multiple mammalian sera have antibodies targeting them. A specific serum neutralized antibodies for all tested sera, suggesting common allergens across mammalian sources.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Allergy Research

Background:

Patients exhibit allergies to numerous mammalian sera.
Circulating skin-sensitizing antibodies are present in these allergic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the nature of antibodies causing allergies to multiple mammalian sera.
To identify specific mammalian sera that can neutralize these antibodies.

Main Methods:

In vitro neutralization assays were performed on patient antibodies.
Local passive transfer tests were conducted to assess antibody activity.
Antibody neutralization patterns across different mammalian sera were analyzed.

Main Results:

One specific mammalian serum demonstrated the ability to neutralize antibodies against all tested sera for each patient.

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Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies

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Published on: October 25, 2018

Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Published on: September 26, 2022

Application of Biochip Microfluidic Technology to Detect Serum Allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE)

Application of Biochip Microfluidic Technology to Detect Serum Allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE)

Published on: April 21, 2019

Other mammalian sera showed limited neutralization, affecting antibodies for themselves or a subset of sera.

This indicates a potential hierarchy or broad specificity of allergenic determinants.

Conclusions:

Mammalian sera may share common allergenic determinants that trigger widespread allergic reactions.
A single mammalian serum can possess determinants capable of broadly neutralizing cross-reactive antibodies.
Further research into these common allergens could inform allergy diagnosis and treatment.