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AAT Bioquest

What are the main types of antibodies?

Posted August 17, 2022


Answer

The five main types of antibodies in the body are IgA, IgD, IgG, IgE, and IgM. They are also known as immunoglobulins. IgG makes up for approximately 70-75% of the antibodies in the human body. Immunoglobulin G can either tag a harmful substance for proteins to identify it, or it may initiate the release of toxins to kill the microorganism. IgM accounts for 10% of human immunoglobulins and are the first antibodies  produced upon an antigen entering the bloodstream. IgA is abundant in serum, nasal mucus, saliva and breast milk, and accounts for 10-15% of immunoglobulins. IgE accounts for 0.001% of human immunoglobulins and its function is to protect against parasites or allergies. IgD accounts for less than 1% of immunoglobulins and its function is to signal the B cells to be activated.

Additional resources

B Cells and Antibodies

Cluster of Differentiation (CD Antibodies)

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