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- Title
IgG2 subclass isotype antibody and intrauterine infections.
- Authors
Syal, Kirtimaan; Karande, Anjali A.
- Abstract
The foetus is dependent on its mother for passive immunity involving receptor-mediated specific transport of antibodies. IgG antibody is present in highest concentration in serum and is the only antibody type that can cross the placenta efficiently, except for its IgG2 subclass. Most of the pathogenic manifestations affecting the foetus involve capsular antigens and polysaccharides of pathogens and it is known that immune response to these antigens is primed to the predominant production of IgG2 type of antibody. Paradoxically, the IgG2 subclass cannot cross the placenta and neutralize such antigens; therefore, infections related to these antigens may persist and can lead to serious conditions like miscarriage and stillbirth. This article describes in brief the properties of IgG subclasses, intrauterine infections seen during pregnancy and discusses possible IgG-based strategies to manage infections to afford protection to the foetus.
- Subjects
INFECTION; FETUS; PREGNANCY; MATERNAL-fetal exchange; GENETIC disorders; IMMUNOGLOBULIN G; IMMUNOGLOBULIN class switching; BIOMECHANICS
- Publication
Current Science (00113891), 2012, Vol 102, Issue 11, p1534
- ISSN
0011-3891
- Publication type
Article