Immunoglobulins Injections

Immunoglobulins - Overview

Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are a crucial component of the immune system. They are Y-shaped proteins that are produced by specialised immune cells known as B cells.

Immunoglobulin Types

Mainly there are five classes of immunoglobulins: IgD, IgA, IgE, IgM, and IgG. They are differentiated by the type of heavy chain that is found in the molecule. IgD has delta-chains, IgA has alpha-chains and is found in high levels in the mucus membranes like saliva or tears or secretions from nose. IgE has epsilon chains and is majorly attached to the cells of the immune system of your body. IgM has mu-chains and is mostly found in one’s blood, and IgG has heavy chains called gamma-chains and mostly found in your tissue and blood. Each class has unique characteristics and functions, but all immunoglobulins share the common property of being able to recognise and bind to specific antigens, such as viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances.

A Critical Role

When an antigen enters the body, the immune system produces specific antibodies that can recognise and neutralise the antigen. This process is known as the humoral immune response. Immunoglobulins can also activate other components of the immune system, such as complement proteins, to help eliminate the antigen.

Immunoglobulins play a critical role in protecting the body from infections and diseases, and deficiencies in immunoglobulin production or function can lead to immunodeficiency disorders. Immunoglobulins are also used therapeutically to treat various medical conditions, includingautoimmune disorders, infections, and cancer. An injection for immunoglobulin therapy is often recommended to boost the immune system's response and provide passive immunity.

Diagnosing Antibody Disorders

An immunoglobulin test serves multiple purposes, including assessing the health of your immune system, if an individual experiences frequent infections ordiarrhoea. It also aids in diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to abnormal IgM, IgG, or IgA levels, such as autoimmune disorders, certain cancers, chronic infections, and uncommon genetic diseases.

Immunoglobulins Medicines

In certain cases, individuals may have a deficiency in immunoglobulins, which can lead to an increased risk of infections. Medicines for immunoglobulin therapy are crucial for managing various immune system disorders and deficiencies, helping patients lead healthier lives.

These injections are administered intravenously, subcutaneously or by intramuscular route, and can help to supplement the body's natural supply of immunoglobulins. The therapy can be used to treat a range of conditions, including primary immunodeficiency disorders, and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Immunoglobulin injections are typically prescribed and administered by doctors and require careful monitoring to ensure safe and effective treatment.

References:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513460/#:~:text=Introduction-,Immunoglobulins%20(Ig)%20or%20antibodies%20are%20glycoproteins%20produced%20by%20plasma%20cells,to%20differentiate%20into%20plasma%20cells.
• https://www.thermofisher.com/in/en/home/life-science/antibodies/antibodies-learning-center/antibodies-resource-library/antibody-methods/introduction-immunoglobulins.html
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/immunoglobulin
• https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contentid=quantitative_immunoglobulins&contenttypeid=167#:~:text=They%20are%20called%20IgM%2C%20IgG,system%20cells%20in%20your%20blood.
• https://www.thermofisher.com/in/en/home/life-science/antibodies/antibodies-learning-center/antibodies-resource-library/antibody-methods/immunoglobulin-structure-classes.html#:~:text=The%20five%20primary%20classes%20of,chain%20found%20in%20the%20molecule.
• https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/immunoglobulins-blood-test/#:~:text=What%20is%20it%20used%20for%3F&text=Help%20diagnose%20and%20monitor%20a,including%20cells%20that%20make%20immunoglobulins.