Mouse serum-derived IgM may be used as a reference antigen, standard, blocking agent, or coating protein in a variety of immunoassays including ELISA, dot immunobinding, Western immunoblotting, immunodiffusion, and immunoelectrophoresis. Other applications include starting materials for the preparation of immunogens and solid phase immunoadsorbents.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies appear early in the course of infections. IgM antibodies are responsible for agglutination of red blood cells in mis-matched blood transfusions. The level of IgM may vary with the status of disease or infection.
IgM displays polyreactive and autoreactive functionality. It plays a key role in tissue homeostasis by mediating clearance of tissue based molecules. IgM has sites for N-linked glycosylation, with sugars namely, mannose, galactose, N-acetyl glucosamine and sialic acid IgM plays a key role in the engulfing of apoptotic cells. A reduction in serum IgM levels leads to increased autoimmune response and higher risk for infections. IgM linked agarose resin have been tested for efficient conjugate binding.
