Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Antibody Binding Specificity for Kappa (Vκ) Light Chain-containing Human (IgM) Antibodies: Polysialic Acid (PSA) Attached to NCAM as a Case Study
Published on: June 29, 2016
Transient expression of pentameric IgM on the surface of NZB B cells
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235.
In contrast to normal B lymphocytes, splenic B cells from autoimmune NZB mice express on their surface greater amounts of IgM than IgD. We have found that the predominant mu chain species present on these cells is derived from pentameric secretory IgM which can be radioiodinated during transient association with the cell membrane. If the contribution from 19S IgM is discounted, then the surface IgM:IgD ratio of NZB mice is only moderately higher than that of B cells from normal strains.
In contrast to normal B lymphocytes, splenic B cells from autoimmune NZB mice express on their surface greater amounts of IgM than IgD. We have found that the predominant mu chain species present on these cells is derived from pentameric secretory IgM which can be radioiodinated during transient association with the cell membrane. If the contribution from 19S IgM is discounted, then the surface IgM:IgD ratio of NZB mice is only moderately higher than that of B cells from normal strains.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
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...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

