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Mucosal immunology2010; 3(6); 610-621; doi: 10.1038/mi.2010.38

IgA in the horse: cloning of equine polymeric Ig receptor and J chain and characterization of recombinant forms of equine IgA.

Abstract: As in other mammals, immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the horse has a key role in immune defense. To better dissect equine IgA function, we isolated complementary DNA (cDNA) clones for equine J chain and polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR). When coexpressed with equine IgA, equine J chain promoted efficient IgA polymerization. A truncated version of equine pIgR, equivalent to secretory component, bound with nanomolar affinity to recombinant equine and human dimeric IgA but not with monomeric IgA from either species. Searches of the equine genome localized equine J chain and pIgR to chromosomes 3 and 5, respectively, with J chain and pIgR coding sequence distributed across 4 and 11 exons, respectively. Comparisons of transcriptional regulatory sequences suggest that horse and human pIgR expression is controlled through common regulatory mechanisms that are less conserved in rodents. These studies pave the way for full dissection of equine IgA function and open up possibilities for immune-based treatment of equine diseases.
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Publication Date: 2010-07-14 PubMed ID: 20631692PubMed Central: PMC3125105DOI: 10.1038/mi.2010.38Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research focuses on understanding the role and function of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), a type of antibody, in horses specifically. The researchers examined the genes that code for equine IgA and associated proteins, and the possible applications of this information in treating equine diseases.

Understanding Immunoglobulin A in Horses

  • The research aimed to provide a more detailed picture of the function of a specific type of antibody, called Immunoglobulin A (IgA), in horses. Antibodies are a crucial part of the immune system, helping to identify and neutralize pathogens.
  • In this study, the researchers isolated the genes that code for equine IgA as well as genes that code for two related proteins, the J chain protein and the polymeric Ig receptor.

The Role of J Chain and Polymeric Ig Receptor

  • The J chain and polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR) are two proteins that play important roles in the immune response. The J chain helps to link antibodies together, forming a “polymeric” structure that can be more effective at blocking pathogens.
  • The pIgR’s role, on the other hand, is to transport these linked antibodies to the areas of the body where they are needed. Essentially, it serves as a shuttle service for antibodies.
  • In this study, the researchers found that the equine J chain can promote the linking of equine IgA molecules together, a process known as polymerization.

Comparing with Human IgA

  • With the genes for these proteins in hand, the researchers created a version of these proteins. They compared the behavior of equine dimeric IgA to that of human dimeric IgA and found that both bind to the truncated version of equine pIgR but do not bind with the monomeric version of IgA from either species.
  • This finding suggests that there is a level of conservation in the mechanism of function between horse and human IgA.

Potential Applications

  • The research provides a strong foundation for further investigation into the role and function of IgA in horses. By better understanding this aspect of the equine immune system, it may be possible to develop new treatments for equine diseases.
  • Further understanding could also provide valuable insights into the function of the human immune system given the observed similarities in IgA function between horses and humans.

Cite This Article

APA
Lewis MJ, Wagner B, Irvine RM, Woof JM. (2010). IgA in the horse: cloning of equine polymeric Ig receptor and J chain and characterization of recombinant forms of equine IgA. Mucosal Immunol, 3(6), 610-621. https://doi.org/10.1038/mi.2010.38

Publication

Mucosal immunology
ISSN: 1935-3456
NlmUniqueID: 101299742
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 3
Issue: 6
Pages: 610-621

Researcher Affiliations

Lewis, M J
  • Division of Medical Sciences, University of Dundee Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK.
Wagner, B
    Irvine, R M
      Woof, J M

        MeSH Terms

        • Amino Acid Sequence
        • Animals
        • Antibody Affinity
        • Chromosomes, Mammalian / genetics
        • Cloning, Molecular
        • Cross Reactions / immunology
        • Horses / immunology
        • Humans
        • Immunoglobulin A / genetics
        • Immunoglobulin A / immunology
        • Immunoglobulin A / metabolism
        • Immunoglobulin J-Chains / genetics
        • Immunoglobulin J-Chains / immunology
        • Immunoglobulin J-Chains / pharmacology
        • Molecular Sequence Data
        • Protein Binding
        • Protein Multimerization
        • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
        • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
        • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
        • Species Specificity

        Grant Funding

        • Wellcome Trust
        • 074863 / Wellcome Trust

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