Iga (Noun)
Meaning
One of the most common of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; the chief antibody in the membranes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- IgA is the primary antibody responsible for mucosal immunity, protecting the body from infections in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
- The high concentration of IgA in breast milk provides essential immune protection to newborns, especially in the first few months of life.
- IgA deficiency is a common primary immunodeficiency disorder that can increase the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases.
- Secretory IgA plays a crucial role in neutralizing pathogens and toxins at the mucosal surfaces, preventing them from entering the bloodstream.
- The measurement of IgA levels in the blood can help diagnose and monitor various immune system disorders, including celiac disease and IgA nephropathy.