Isotype (immunology)

Some antibodies form complexes that bind to multiple antigen molecules.

In immunology, the "immunoglobulin isotype" refers to the type of chain. 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.

See also

• idiotype
• immunoglobulin allotype

External links

• Immunoglobulin+Isotypes at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
• Template:EMedicineDictionary
• Overview at University of South Carolina School of Medicine
• Overview at Southern Illinois University Carbondale