Human Anti-Brucella IgM ELISA Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Brucella IgM is an immunoglobulin associated with the early immune response to Brucella infection. Also known as Immunoglobulin M IgM this antibody is the first responder during the acute phase of infection. IgM antibodies are larger in size compared to other antibodies having a mass of approximately 900 kDa due to their pentameric structure. They are typically expressed on the surface of B cells and are found in the bloodstream. The presence of Brucella IgM indicates initial immune activation against Brucella bacteria which can cause brucellosis in humans.

Biological function summary

Brucella IgM serves as an essential component of the body's defense mechanism against Brucella species. It plays a major role in the immune response by recognizing and binding to the Brucella antigen effectively marking these pathogens for destruction by other immune cells. As part of the immune complex IgM functions are integral in neutralizing and agglutinating pathogens. By forming immune complexes IgM enhances phagocytosis by macrophages and neutrophils which are critical in clearing the infection from the host.

Pathways

Brucella IgM antibodies participate in the complement activation pathway which is important for opsonization and lysis of bacterial cells. The complement system involving proteins such as C1q C3 and C4 interacts directly with IgM leading to a cascade of reactions that amplify the immune response against Brucella. This pathway is tightly associated with humoral immune response where other antibodies like IgG although later in the disease process work in conjunction to provide longer-lasting immunity.

Associated diseases and disorders

Brucella IgM is strongly connected to brucellosis a zoonotic disease that affects various organ systems in humans. The detection of IgM antibodies serves as an important diagnostic marker for acute brucellosis infection. Besides direct involvement with brucellosis the presence of Brucella IgM can influence autoimmune responses due to molecular mimicry potentially leading to conditions like reactive arthritis. In these scenarios Brucella IgM may interplay with host proteins such as HLA-B27 which is implicated in autoimmune-related inflammation complicating the clinical picture.