Isotype (immunology)
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Some antibodies form complexes that bind to multiple antigen molecules.

In immunology, the "immunoglobulin isotype" refers to the genetic variations or differences in the constant regions of the heavy and light chains of the Ig (immunoglobulins)classes and sub-classes. In humans, there are nine isotypes:

• heavy chain
  • α - IgA 1, 2
  • δ - IgD
  • γ - IgG 1, 2, 3, 4
  • ε - IgE
  • μ - IgM
• light chain
  • κ
  • λ

Immunoglobulin class switching can be used to change the class of the heavy chain, but not of the light chain.

See also

• idiotype
• immunoglobulin allotype

External links

• MeSH Immunoglobulin+Isotypes
• Isotype at eMedicine Dictionary
• Overview at University of South Carolina School of Medicine
• Overview at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

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