Immunoglobulin D

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is an antibody isotype that makes up about 1% of proteins in the plasma membranes of immature B-lymphocytes where it is usually coexpressed with another cell surface antibody called IgM. IgD is also produced in a secreted form that is found in very small amounts in blood serum. Secreted IgD is produced as a monomeric antibody with two heavy chains of the delta (δ) class, and two Ig light chains.

IgD’s function is currently unknown, as mice lacking IgD seem to retain normal immune responses (implying redundancy if not lack of function), and IgD ceases to be expressed in activated B-lymphocytes. It may function as a regulatory antigen receptor.

• Antibody

• Immunoglobulin+D at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

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