Which immunoglobulin is secreted as a dimer in secretions and has a J chain?

Prepare for your Microbial Growth Phases, Oxygen Needs, and Immunity Types Test. Use our multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations for each answer to enhance your understanding and ensure success!

Multiple Choice

Which immunoglobulin is secreted as a dimer in secretions and has a J chain?

Explanation:
Secretory IgA is the antibody that protects mucosal surfaces by being secreted as a dimer. Two IgA monomers are linked by a J chain, which helps polymerize them and enables transport across epithelial cells via the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor. The result in secretions like saliva, tears, and intestinal mucus is secretory IgA, with a J chain still attached as part of the complex. In contrast, IgG and IgD are monomers, and IgM is secreted as a pentamer (also with a J chain), not a dimer.

Secretory IgA is the antibody that protects mucosal surfaces by being secreted as a dimer. Two IgA monomers are linked by a J chain, which helps polymerize them and enables transport across epithelial cells via the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor. The result in secretions like saliva, tears, and intestinal mucus is secretory IgA, with a J chain still attached as part of the complex. In contrast, IgG and IgD are monomers, and IgM is secreted as a pentamer (also with a J chain), not a dimer.

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