The importance of natural IgM: scavenger, protector and regulator.
The existence of IgM has been known for more than a century, but its importance in immunity and autoimmunity continues to emerge. Studies of mice deficient in secreted IgM have provided unexpected insights into its role in several diverse processes, from B cell survival to atherosclerosis, as well as in autoimmunity and protection against infection. Among the various distinct properties that underlie the functions of IgM, two stand out: its polyreactivity and its ability to facilitate the removal of apoptotic cells. In addition, new B cell-targeted therapies for the treatment of autoimmunity have been shown to cause a reduction in serum IgM, potentially disrupting the functions of this immunoregulatory molecule and increasing susceptibility to infection.
Ehrenstein
Michael R
MR
Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, Windeyer Institute of Medical Science, 46 Cleveland Street, London W1P 4JF, UK. m.ehrenstein@ucl.ac.uk
Notley
Clare A
CA
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice
D007075:Immunoglobulin M