IMMUNOGLOBULIN SUPERFAMILY Meaning and
Definition
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The immunoglobulin superfamily refers to a large group of proteins that are involved in various aspects of the immune response in vertebrates. These proteins play a vital role in the recognition and binding of antigens, which are foreign substances that can stimulate an immune response.
The immunoglobulin superfamily is characterized by the presence of a specific protein domain called the immunoglobulin domain, also known as the Ig domain. This domain consists of about 70-110 amino acids that form a characteristic folding pattern, known as a beta-sandwich structure, which is crucial for the protein's function.
Members of the immunoglobulin superfamily are found on the cell surface of various immune cells, such as B cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells. They can also be present in a soluble form in body fluids. These proteins are involved in a wide range of immunological processes, including antigen recognition, cell adhesion, cell signaling, and regulation of immune responses.
The immunoglobulin superfamily includes several subgroups, such as immunoglobulins (antibodies), T-cell receptors, major histocompatibility complex molecules, and adhesion molecules. Each subgroup has its own specific role in immune function.
Overall, the immunoglobulin superfamily plays a critical role in the immune system's ability to recognize and respond to foreign invaders, contributing to the defense against infections and the maintenance of immune homeostasis.
Common Misspellings for IMMUNOGLOBULIN SUPERFAMILY
- ummunoglobulin superfamily
- jmmunoglobulin superfamily
- kmmunoglobulin superfamily
- ommunoglobulin superfamily
- 9mmunoglobulin superfamily
- 8mmunoglobulin superfamily
- inmunoglobulin superfamily
- ikmunoglobulin superfamily
- ijmunoglobulin superfamily
- imnunoglobulin superfamily
- imkunoglobulin superfamily
- imjunoglobulin superfamily
- immynoglobulin superfamily
- immhnoglobulin superfamily
- immjnoglobulin superfamily
- imminoglobulin superfamily
- imm8noglobulin superfamily
- imm7noglobulin superfamily
- immuboglobulin superfamily
- immumoglobulin superfamily
Etymology of IMMUNOGLOBULIN SUPERFAMILY
The word "immunoglobulin superfamily" has its etymology rooted in the field of immunology and the structure of certain proteins involved in the immune response. Here is a breakdown of each component:
1. Immunoglobulin: The term "immunoglobulin" refers to a class of proteins that function as antibodies in the immune system. They are produced by B cells and play a crucial role in recognizing and neutralizing foreign substances (antigens) in the body.
2. Superfamily: In the context of biological classification, a superfamily is a higher-level taxonomic category used to group related protein families. Within a superfamily, protein families share some structural similarities and are believed to have evolved from a common ancestral gene.
Therefore, the term "immunoglobulin superfamily" refers to a group of proteins that display structural similarity to immunoglobulins.
