IgA Heavy Chain Antibody

This mAb is specific to heavy chain of IgA and shows minimal cross-reaction with heavy chains of other immunoglobulins. It is reactive with both IgA1 and IgA2 subclasses of Alpha heavy chain. It reacts with the third constant domain (CH3) of the alpha chain of IgA molecules. Immunoglobulins are four-chain, Y-shaped, monomeric structures comprised of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains held together through inter-chain disulfide bonds. The chains form two domains, the Fab (antigen binding) fragment and the Fc (constant) fragment. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the main protein of the mucosal immune system. It is generated by B-cells in gut-associated lymphoid tissues. Daily production of IgA exceeds that of any of the other immunoglobulins. IgA exists mainly in dimers but can also exist as polymers or as monomers. Dimers and polymers contain a joining (J) chain that can be bound by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) for transportation of the molecule to mucosal surfaces. The most common feature of plasmacytomas, and certain non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is the restricted expression of a single heavy chain class. Demonstration of clonality in lymphoid infiltrates indicates that the infiltrate is clonal and therefore malignant.