May 23, 2022
Total IgG vs. IgG4 Testing
The use of serological testing for the detection of allergen sensitization, food intolerance, and the development of allergen tolerance is rapidly expanding. In addition to traditional IgE testing, a growing number of IgG tests are entering the market. Some tests measure total IgG, while others claim to be specific for IgG4 antibodies. While the utility of IgG testing for the determination of food intolerance and the monitoring of immunotherapy are topics of heated debate, an understanding of the differences between antibody isotypes and subclasses may shed some light on the best type of IgG test to consider.
Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are designed to neutralize pathogens that can enter the body through mucosal linings of the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital tracts or the skin. The five immunoglobulin isotypes include IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, and IgE. Each isotype differs in the constant region of the heavy chain (shown in purple in image at right) and plays a different role in immune response. Circulating IgM antibodies are involved in early immune response that is followed by B cell production of IgG antibodies. Recent findings suggest IgD is involved in mucosal homeostasis, regulating host-microbiota interaction and B cell response. IgE antibodies, predominantly linked to acute allergic response, are primarily bound by receptors on mast cells just beneath the surface of the skin and mucosa and found at low circulating levels.1,2,3,4
While Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the primary antibody isotype in mucosal secretions, Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the primary isotype found in...
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Antibody Isotypes and Subclasses
Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are designed to neutralize pathogens that can enter the body through mucosal linings of the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital tracts or the skin. The five immunoglobulin isotypes include IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, and IgE. Each isotype differs in the constant region of the heavy chain (shown in purple in image at right) and plays a different role in immune response. Circulating IgM antibodies are involved in early immune response that is followed by B cell production of IgG antibodies. Recent findings suggest IgD is involved in mucosal homeostasis, regulating host-microbiota interaction and B cell response. IgE antibodies, predominantly linked to acute allergic response, are primarily bound by receptors on mast cells just beneath the surface of the skin and mucosa and found at low circulating levels.1,2,3,4
While Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the primary antibody isotype in mucosal secretions, Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the primary isotype found in...
Download the complete article »
Article: Total IgG vs. IgG4 Testing
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