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IgG antibodies to secretory component in normal human serum
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|October 1, 1984
Summary
Antibodies to secretory component (SC) are common in human milk, with IgG binding to SC found in most adults and infants. These antibodies may originate from serum, suggesting sensitization to SC.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Human Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Secretory component (SC) is a protein found in mucosal secretions.
- FSC-IgG complexes were observed in human milk during isolation procedures.
- The origin of IgG antibodies to SC in milk was hypothesized to be from serum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of IgG antibodies to secretory component (SC) in human adult and infant sera.
- To determine the specificity of these antibodies against SC and secretory IgA (sIgA).
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgG binding to FSC in sera.
- Pepsin digestion of IgG fractions was performed to analyze antibody fragments.
- Competition experiments with monoclonal antibodies were employed to define antibody specificities.
Main Results:
- IgG antibodies binding to FSC were detected in 80% of normal adults and 90% of infants.
- Antibody titers ranged from 1:54 to 1:4096.
- The majority of antibodies were specific for FSC, suggesting sensitization to circulating or membrane-bound SC, with some cross-reactivity to sIgA observed.
Conclusions:
- Antibodies to secretory component (SC) are prevalent in both adult and infant sera.
- These antibodies are primarily directed against FSC, indicating potential sensitization to SC.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the functional significance of these antibodies in normal human serum.