HUMAN IgA whole molecule

Human IgA whole molecule was prepared from human serum by a multi-step process which includes delipidation, selective precipitation and tandem molecular sieve chromatography followed by extensive dialysis against the buffer stated above.  Human IgA whole molecule was assayed by immunoelectrophoresis resulted in a single precipitin arc against anti-Human Serum and anti-Human IgA (a chain specific).   No reaction was observed against anti-Human IgG F(c).  Some light chain cross reactivity will occur with anti-Human IgG. Immunoglobulin A is the primary responder in muscosal immunity, and comprises close to 75% of the total immunoglobulin produced. IgA can also be secreted and is protected from degradation by many proteolytic enzymes (which allows it to be secreted along the gastrointestinal tract). Immunoglobulin A only weakly activates the complement system and is not readily opsonized.