How are immunoglobulins and antibodies formed?

Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are glycoprotein molecules produced by plasma cells (white blood cells). They act as a critical part of the immune response by specifically recognizing and binding to particular antigens, such as bacteria or viruses, and aiding in their destruction. read more

Antibodies are formed by a series of genes transcribed in B cells. The cells choose from a set of heavy chain genes, which form the base of the antibody, and a set of light chain genes, which form the upper structure of the antibody, as well as a highly variable C-terminus region out at the ends of the antibody’s ‘Y’ shape. read more

In this activated form, the B cell starts to produce antibody in a secreted form rather than a membrane-bound form. Some daughter cells of the activated B cells undergo isotype switching, a mechanism that causes the production of antibodies to change from IgM or IgD to the other antibody isotypes, IgE, IgA, or IgG, that have defined roles in the immune system. read more