EPSILON IMMUNOGLOBULIN Meaning and
Definition
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Epsilon immunoglobulin, also known as IgE, is a type of antibody or immunoglobulin primarily involved in allergic responses and defense against parasitic infections. It is the least abundant isotype among the five major classes of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM). IgE plays a crucial role in immediate hypersensitivity reactions, as well as in regulating normal immune responses.
Epsilon immunoglobulins are primarily produced by plasma cells located in the mucosa of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and are found in the bloodstream at relatively low concentrations. Upon exposure to certain allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods, IgE binds to specific receptors (FcεRI) present on the surface of mast cells and basophils.
When an individual is re-exposed to the same allergen, the allergen binds to the IgE molecules attached to the mast cells or basophils, leading to the release of various inflammatory mediators. This cascade of events results in the activation of the immune response and the onset of allergic symptoms.
Apart from its role in allergies, IgE is also important in the defense against parasitic infections, particularly helminths. IgE antibodies can bind to parasites and initiate a variety of immune responses aimed at neutralizing and eliminating the parasitic pathogens.
In summary, epsilon immunoglobulin (IgE) is a specialized antibody that plays a crucial role in allergic reactions and the defense against parasitic infections.
Common Misspellings for EPSILON IMMUNOGLOBULIN
- wpsilon immunoglobulin
- spsilon immunoglobulin
- dpsilon immunoglobulin
- rpsilon immunoglobulin
- 4psilon immunoglobulin
- 3psilon immunoglobulin
- eosilon immunoglobulin
- elsilon immunoglobulin
- e-silon immunoglobulin
- e0silon immunoglobulin
- epailon immunoglobulin
- epzilon immunoglobulin
- epxilon immunoglobulin
- epdilon immunoglobulin
- epeilon immunoglobulin
- epwilon immunoglobulin
- epsulon immunoglobulin
- epsjlon immunoglobulin
- epsklon immunoglobulin
- epsolon immunoglobulin
Etymology of EPSILON IMMUNOGLOBULIN
The word "epsilon" in the term "epsilon immunoglobulin" is derived from the Greek language. In Greek, "epsilon" (Έψιλον) is the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet. In the context of immunoglobulins, "epsilon immunoglobulin" refers specifically to immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is one of the five classes of immunoglobulins found in mammals. The use of "epsilon" in this context signifies that this particular class of immunoglobulin is characterized by the element epsilon.
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