Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Autoimmune reactivity of IgM acquired after oxidation
Jasna Omersel1, Ivica Avberšek-Lužnik, Pegi Ahlin Grabnar
1University in Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Objectives:
Redox-reactive antibodies, mainly of the IgG class, gained a wide area of interest after their autoimmune reactivity was revealed following the application of chemical and physiological oxidants. In this study, we examined the susceptibility of IgMs to oxidation and evaluated their binding to the autoantigens important in some autoimmune diseases.
Methods:
IgM and IgG fractions, isolated from healthy individuals' sera, were oxidized using direct electric current or physiological oxidant hemin. Specificities towards beta-2-glycoprotein I (β(2)-GPI), cardiolipin (CL), and rheumatoid factor were evaluated with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Post-translational modification was investigated by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine reaction.
Results:
Electrochemically oxidized IgM fractions exhibited altered immunoreactivity - low to medium titers in anti-CL and low positive titers in anti-β(2)-GPI ELISA but exhibited no rheumatoid factor reactivity. Oxidized IgG and IgM fractions exhibited 2.5- and 5-fold increase in the carbonyl content, respectively.
Discussion:
An increase in the carbonyl content along with increased immunoreactivity after oxidation suggests modifications of the IgM paratopes. These results point towards possible modifications of native IgMs to their autoimmune state despite the fact that IgMs were less susceptible to oxidation than IgGs. The importance of an individual's redox status in maintenance of autoimmune reactions was emphasized by in vitro diagnostic tests.
Related Concept Videos
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
Cross-reactivity
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Hypersensitivities
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
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...

