The Four Major Functions of Immunoglobulins
Disease description:
I have been physically weak and prone to illnesses since childhood, easily getting infected, and catching colds and fevers is commonplace. To minimize getting sick, I live a very careful lifestyle. May I ask, what are the four major functions of immunoglobulins?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
The four major functions of immunoglobulins mainly include:
1. **Immune defense**: Immunoglobulins can bind to pathogens and their products, forming antigen-antibody complexes, thereby neutralizing pathogens, preventing their invasion and replication, and inhibiting their attack and infection in the host.
2. **Immune regulation**: Immunoglobulins regulate the activity and function of immune cells by binding to receptors on the surface of immune cells, playing an important role in modulating immune responses.
3. **Immune memory**: By binding to antigen receptors on the surface of B cells, immunoglobulins can promote B cell differentiation and proliferation, generating antigen-specific memory B cells. This enables a faster and stronger immune response upon subsequent encounters with the same antigen.
4. **Neutralization of toxins**: Immunoglobulins can bind to and neutralize toxins produced by certain bacteria, viruses, or other harmful substances, preventing them from causing damage to the body.
