IgA | Immunoglobulin A Class

Author: Misha Rahman, Ph.D.

Human immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the second most common human immunoglobulin in serum. It is secreted in milk and is also the most prevalent lg in secretions (e.g. tears, saliva and mucous).

IgA is resistant to digestion and can activate the complement pathway when aggregated. It should also be noted both subclasses of IgA (IgA1 and IgA2) bind fragment crystallization (Fc) receptors.

IgA
Immunoglobulin A

Heavy chain

α

Light chain

κ or λ

Molecular formula

(α2κ2)n or (α2λ2)n

Valency

2, 4, 6 or 8

Structure

Monomers to tetramers (trimers and tetramers are rare, dimers are more common)

Abundance in serum (in relation to total immunoglobulins present)

13%

Carbohydrate content

10%

Concentration in serum

1.0 - 4.0 mg/ml

IgA subclasses

IgA1

IgA2

Heavy chain subclasses

α1

α2

Heavy chain MW (kDa)

55

55

Light chain MW (kDa)

23

23

Total MW (kDa)

160 (serum monomer)

160 (serum monomer)

600 (secretory tetramer)

600 (secretory tetramer)

Distribution

Intravascular and secretions

Function

Protects mucous membranes

Antibodies for Human IgA Isotype 

Bio-Rad offers a range of human immunoglobulin antibodies for the IgA isotype. In addition to human, we also offer IgA antibodies for the mouse specificity. Below you will find a list of all of our human and mouse IgA antibodies. Please use the filters to identify the antibody that fits your exact requirements.

IgA Antibodies (Human and Mouse)

    DescriptionSpecificityTargetFormatHostIsotypeClone Applications Citations Product Type Code

    Further reading

    For a full overview of Immunoglobulin classes please visit our Immunoglobulins Classes / Sub-classes page. Alternatively you can view the following individual types: