At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is Immunoglobulin G?
Immunoglobulin G is an antibody created by the immune system to help fight off infection and disease. This antibody is released by B cells through the immunological synapse in order to destroy viruses, bacteria, or other foreign bodies. The most plentiful of all antibodies, immunoglobulin G is found in all body fluids. Occasionally, it may attack harmless molecules, which sets off an allergic reaction or an autoimmune disorder.
Approximately 75% of immunoglobulins in a normal person's immune system are molecules of immunoglobulin G. Though they are abundant, these antibodies are generally not effective until after the immune system has determined what to use to destroy a certain type of antigen. When the body first encounters an antigen, an immune cell known as a B cell attaches to it and releases antibodies onto its surface. While immunoglobulin G is the most common antibody, it needs to be adapted to destroy each particular type of antigen. Once the body learns how to fight a certain type of antigen, it creates many copies of effective antibodies that then work to eliminate the foreign bodies.
Each molecule of immunoglobulin G is made up of four chains of peptides — two heavy chains and two light chains. These chains are linked together in the middle by strong chemical bonds in a location called the hinge. The hinge is set up so that the four chains branch out in three different directions. The ends of the molecule that are distant from the hinge attach to antigens. Differences in the amino acid chains at the ends allow immunoglobulin G to attack and destroy different types of foreign bodies.
There are a number of types of immunoglobulin G, and levels of each of these types of antibody differ from adult to adult. The types are numbered one through four in order of most to least abundant. The biggest differences between these subclasses are in the type of hinge that the molecule has.
Unlike other antibodies, immunoglobulin G is able to cross the placenta. This makes it instrumental in keeping an unborn baby safe from infection. A fetus acquires this antibody from its mother both through the placenta and through the breast milk, giving a newborn some limited immunity before its own immune system is able to function. A child is able to use its mother's immunoglobulin G until it is about 6 months old, when it is able to create its own.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Immunoglobulin G is created by the immune system to help fight off disease.]()
By: designuaImmunoglobulin G is created by the immune system to help fight off disease. -
![A fetus receives immunoglobulin G from its mother, because the antibody is able to cross the placenta.]()
By: paulmzA fetus receives immunoglobulin G from its mother, because the antibody is able to cross the placenta. -
![The placenta ensures that a developing baby receives nutrients and oxygen to grow and survive.]()
By: WONG SZE FEIThe placenta ensures that a developing baby receives nutrients and oxygen to grow and survive. -
![Immunoglobulin G helps keep unborn babies safe from infection.]()
By: HalfpointImmunoglobulin G helps keep unborn babies safe from infection.
Discussion Comments
I think that immunoglobulin G must be what protects people from catching the exact same type of cold that they have had before. The problem is that there are seemingly endless types of colds.
I have noticed that if someone in my office catches a cold just like one that I had a month ago, I don't become reinfected. Sometimes, a coworker will show up sick with the sniffles when I haven't been sick all year, and I don't get it. It must have been one that I have had in the past.
@lighth0se33 – The mother's immunoglobulin G really can protect a baby from disease. My mother was immune to chicken pox, and even though my brother had it when I was born, I didn't catch it because of this.
However, if a mother has never had chicken pox, then an infant is at risk of catching it. When new babies catch it, then they get a case that is either severe or fatal.
My neighbor's baby was one month old when he caught chicken pox. He had no antibodies against it, since she had never been infected. He ended up dying from it.
There is a vaccine for chicken pox now. Everyone who has never had it should get this vaccination. If you end up pregnant unexpectedly, having the antibodies that this vaccination delivers in your system could protect your baby.
That is awesome that a baby stores its mother's antibodies for six whole months! I didn't know that babies bodies had any sort of means of protection from infection. I guess that if they didn't, not many of them would survive long enough to make their own antibodies.
When my sister's oldest child got chicken pox, we were all amazed that the three-month-old baby didn't catch it. I suppose that my sister's antibodies kept her safe.
I wonder if the fact that my sister had already had chicken pox carried over into the antibodies she gave to her baby. Can babies under six months of age catch chicken pox?
Post your comments