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Background
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Human IgA (immunoglobulin A) is a glycosylated protein of 160 kDa and is produced as a monomer or as a J chain linked dimer. Monomeric IgA constitutes 5-15?% of the serum immunoglobulins whereas dimeric IgA is localized to mucosa surfaces such as saliva, gastrointestinal secretion, bronchial fluids and milk. Mucosal IgA plays a major role in host defence by neutralising infectious agents at mucosal surfaces. The production is usually local and antigen specific IgA producing B cells can be found in regions under the lamina propria where they mature into dimeric IgA producing plasma cells. IgA deficiency is the most common immunodeficiency that may affect both serum and mucosal produced IgA. Synonyms: NULL
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