Isotype (immunology)

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In immunology, the "immunoglobulin isotype" refers to the genetic variations or differences in the constant regions of the heavy and light chains of the Ig (immunoglobulins)classes and sub-classes. In humans, there are nine isotypes:

• heavy chain
  • α - IgA 1, 2
  • δ - IgD
  • γ - IgG 1, 2, 3, 4
  • ε - IgE
  • μ - IgM
• light chain
  • κ
  • λ

Immunoglobulin class switching can be used to change the class of the heavy chain, but not of the light chain.

[edit] See also

• idiotype
• immunoglobulin allotype

[edit] External links

• MeSH Immunoglobulin+Isotypes
• Isotype at eMedicine Dictionary
• Overview at University of South Carolina School of Medicine
• Overview at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

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