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Immunoglobulin D and its encoding genes: An updated review
Zihui Wan1, Yaofeng Zhao1, Yi Sun2
1State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China.
Developmental and Comparative Immunology
|July 8, 2021
Summary
Immunoglobulin (Ig) D, though evolutionarily conserved, has diverse functions and structures across species. Recent research reveals its roles in B-cell survival, immune tolerance, and mucosal immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Immunoglobulin (Ig) D is an evolutionarily conserved isotype alongside IgM in jawed vertebrates.
- Unlike stable IgM, IgD exhibits significant structural variation across species, and its functions remain largely unclear, even in humans and mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent discoveries concerning IgD-encoding genes in jawed vertebrates over the past decade.
- To highlight advancements in understanding the functions of the IgD-B-cell receptor (IgD-BCR) and secreted IgD in humans and mice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on IgD-encoding genes and functions.
- Synthesis of findings on IgD-BCR and secreted IgD roles in immune responses.
Main Results:
- High IgD-BCR expression may aid autoreactive B-cell survival and somatic hypermutation in germinal centers.
- Secreted IgD can improve mucosal homeostasis and immunity by modulating T-helper-2 cell responses and IgE-mediated degranulation.
Conclusions:
- IgD plays multifaceted roles in immune regulation, including B-cell tolerance and mucosal immunity.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex functions of IgD across different vertebrate species.
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