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Antibody Structure and Diversity definitions

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  • Antibody
    Y-shaped protein produced by B cells, composed of two heavy and two light chains, with highly specific antigen recognition.
  • Immunoglobulin
    Alternate name for antibody, often abbreviated as Ig, referring to the same Y-shaped immune protein.
  • Heavy Chain
    Larger polypeptide component of an antibody, present in two copies, determining antibody class and function.
  • Light Chain
    Smaller polypeptide component of an antibody, present in two copies, contributing to antigen binding.
  • Antigen-Binding Site
    Region at the tips of the antibody Y structure, formed by both heavy and light chains, responsible for antigen recognition.
  • Variable Region
    Portion of antibody chains with sequence diversity, enabling recognition of a vast array of antigens.
  • Constant Region
    Segment of antibody chains with conserved sequence within each class, determining effector function.
  • Hypervariable Region
    Short stretch within the variable region, containing the most sequence diversity and direct antigen contact points.
  • VDJ Recombination
    Genetic mechanism shuffling variable, diversity, and joining gene segments to generate antibody diversity.
  • Somatic Hypermutation
    Process introducing frequent mutations in antibody variable regions of B cells, enhancing antigen affinity.
  • Class Switching
    Cellular process enabling B cells to change the antibody class produced, adapting immune responses.
  • IgM
    Primary antibody class found on B cell membranes, first produced during immune response.
  • IgD
    Antibody class present on B cell membranes, involved in early immune response stages.
  • IgA
    Antibody class secreted in mucosal areas, such as tears and saliva, providing localized protection.
  • IgE
    Antibody class associated with allergic reactions and defense against parasites.
  • IgG
    Most abundant antibody class in blood, capable of crossing the placenta to protect the fetus.