IGHD抗体;IGHD Antibody—艾普蒂

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     Western blot analysis of IGHD expression in Humantonsil cell lysate.    

  
  

Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is a unique antibody class primarily expressed on the surface of mature B cells alongside IgM, where it functions as part of the B cell receptor (BCR) complex. Discovered in 1965. IgD is characterized by a heavily glycosylated heavy chain (δ-chain) encoded by the *IGHD* gene. Unlike other antibodies, IgD exists predominantly in membrane-bound form, with only trace amounts secreted into serum, making its detection and study challenging. Its short serum half-life (~3 days) and low abundance have historically limited research, though advances in sensitive assays have expanded understanding.

IgD plays a critical role in B cell activation and immune regulation. It fine-tunes antigen recognition, enhances B cell survival, and promotes interactions with basophils and mast cells to modulate inflammatory responses. Emerging evidence links IgD to mucosal immunity, particularly in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, where it may participate in microbial defense. Autoantibodies targeting IgD (anti-IgD antibodies) are rare but implicated in autoimmune disorders like lupus and certain B cell malignancies. Conversely, therapeutic anti-IgD antibodies are being explored to modulate aberrant B cell activity in autoimmune diseases. Despite its enigmatic nature, IgD remains a focus in immunology due to its dual roles in immune tolerance and pathogen response.