title: IgA: an immune glycoprotein.
abstract: IgA is a glycoprotein containing multiple N-linked carbohydrates as well as O-linked glycans in the case of IgA1. Because of the critical role it plays in providing protection at mucosal surfaces, IgA is an ideal candidate for use as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent. The presence or absence of carbohydrates, as well as their structure, has been found to influence effector functions and binding to specific IgA receptors. In addition, changes in IgA glycosylation are associated with immune pathology. A thorough understanding of the contributions of the glycans to IgA immune protection will aid in the design of clinically suitable antibodies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, 609 Charles E. Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. esthery@microbio.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Esther M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.forename: Sherie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Morrison
mesh_terms: D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000737:chemistry; D006031:Glycosylation; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000097:blood / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006023:Glycoproteins; C045281:IgA receptor; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D011961:Receptors, Fc; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases