B Lymphocyte Development, Immunoglobulin Genes and Immunoglobulin Structure

Abstract

Antibodies are glycoprotein substances produced by B lymphoid cells in response to stimulation with an immunogen. They possess the ability to react in vitro and in vivo specifically and selectively with the antigenic determinants or epitopes eliciting their production or with an antigenic determinant closely related to the homologous antigen. Antibody molecules are immunoglobulins found in the blood and body fluids. Thus, all antibodies are immunoglobulins formed in response to immunogens. Antibodies may be produced by hybridoma technology in which antibody secreting cells are fused by polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment with a mutant myeloma cell line. Monoclonal antibodies are widely used in research, diagnostic medicine and have potential in therapy. Antibodies in the blood serum of any given animal species may be grouped according to their physicochemical properties and antigenic characteristics. Immunoglobulins are not restricted to the plasma but may be found in other body fluids or tissues, such as urine, spinal fluid, lymph nodes, spleen, etc Immunoglobulins do not include the components of the complement system. Immunoglobulins (antibodies) constitute approximately 1 to 2% of the total serum proteins in health.