title: The molecular biology of immunoglobulin D.
abstract: Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is co-expressed with immunoglobulin M (IgM) on the membranes of most B cells, yet its biological function has remained a mystery. Recent detailed information on the structure and transcription of the unusual IgD heavy chain (delta) gene in mouse suggests a complex genetic control. A model is presented for the developmental regulation of IgM and IgD and roles suggested for the membrane and secreted forms of IgD in the immune network.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005796:Genes; D007072:Immunoglobulin D / Q000235:genetics*; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000235:genetics*; D007138:Immunoglobulin delta-Chains / Q000235:genetics*; D007148:Immunoglobulin mu-Chains / Q000235:genetics; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D051379:Mice; D009194:Myeloma Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012326:RNA Splicing; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D007072:Immunoglobulin D; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains; D007138:Immunoglobulin delta-Chains; D007148:Immunoglobulin mu-Chains; D009194:Myeloma Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger