Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptors (pəˈlɪmərɪk ˌɪmjʊnəˈɡlɒbjuːlɪn rɪˈsɛptərz) refers to a group of receptors present in mucosal surfaces that facilitate the transport of IgA antibodies across the epithelial barrier. The spelling of this word is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. Each symbol in the IPA represents a specific sound in the English language. The word "polymeric" is pronounced as puh-lim-er-ik, while "immunoglobulin" is pronounced as ih-myoo-nuh-gloh-byoo-lin. Receptors are pronounced as rih-sep-terz.
Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptors (pIgR) are a type of transmembrane glycoprotein found on the surfaces of epithelial cells, particularly in mucosal tissues such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts. These receptors play a crucial role in the transportation of immunoglobulins (antibodies) across epithelial barriers, facilitating the transfer of immune protection from the body's mucosa to these mucosal surfaces.
pIgRs are responsible for the selective binding and uptake of polymeric immunoglobulin A (IgA) molecules from the bloodstream, as well as their subsequent transcytosis across the epithelial cells. IgA is an important antibody that provides defense against pathogens and toxins at mucosal sites. This transport process helps to provide localized immunity and to prevent the invasion of pathogens into the body.
The binding and internalization of IgA molecules by pIgRs occur at the basolateral surface of epithelial cells. The receptor-IgA complexes are then transported across these cells within vesicles, eventually reaching the apical surface. Here, the IgA molecules are released into the mucosal lumen, where they can interact with potential pathogens and neutralize them through various mechanisms, including immune exclusion, prevention of adhesion, and agglutination.
Additionally, pIgRs can also participate in the transcytosis of polymeric immunoglobulin M (IgM) and occasionally IgG molecules. However, their primary role remains the transport of IgA. Understanding the function and regulation of pIgRs is essential for comprehending mucosal immunology, particularly in the context of host defense and the development of targeted strategies for immunization and immunotherapy.