Immunoglobulin superfamily

Immunoglobulin Superfamily

The Immunoglobulin Superfamily (Im-mu-no-glob-u-lin Su-per-fam-i-ly, abbreviated as IgSF) is a large group of cell adhesion molecules, receptors, and antigens that are involved in various biological processes, including immune response, cell-cell interaction, and signal transduction.

Etymology

The term "Immunoglobulin Superfamily" is derived from the term "Immunoglobulin," which refers to a type of protein produced by plasma cells in response to an antigen. The term "Superfamily" is used in biology to denote a large group of related proteins or genes.

Structure

Members of the Immunoglobulin Superfamily are characterized by the presence of one or more "Immunoglobulin (Ig) domains." These are approximately 70-110 amino acids in length and are involved in binding to other proteins or molecules. The Ig domains are typically found in the extracellular part of the protein and are responsible for the protein's ability to recognize and bind to specific ligands.

Function

The Immunoglobulin Superfamily plays a crucial role in the immune system. Members of this superfamily are involved in a variety of immune responses, including antibody production, T cell activation, and cell adhesion. They also play a role in neural development and synapse formation in the nervous system.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Immunoglobulin superfamily
Wikipedia's article - Immunoglobulin superfamily

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