Practical Application Of Immunology: Describe The Structure

Practical Application Of Immunologydescribe The Structure And Function

Practical Application of Immunology describe the structure and functions of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecule. How would you test for the presence of IgG antibodies in a patient? Read the selected scriptures and in your response to the prompt discuss how at least one of the scriptures relates to the discussion topic. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple." Proverbs 13:12 "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

Paper For Above instruction

The immune system is a complex network of cells, molecules, and pathways that work collaboratively to defend the body against pathogens. Among the vital components of this system are immunoglobulins, or antibodies, which play crucial roles in identifying and neutralizing foreign invaders. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant antibody class in human serum and tissues, responsible for long-term immunity and immune memory following infection or vaccination.

Structure of Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

IgG molecules are monomeric glycoproteins composed of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains interconnected by disulfide bonds. The typical IgG molecule has a Y-shaped structure, with two antigen-binding Fab regions and a crystallizable Fc region. The Fab regions contain variable domains that confer antigen specificity, while the Fc region mediates effector functions such as complement activation and binding to Fc receptors on immune cells (Janeway et al., 2005). Structurally, the IgG molecule has a molecular weight of approximately 150 kDa and features glycosylation sites on the Fc region that influence its stability and function (Wang et al., 2018).

Functions of IgG

IgG antibodies are pivotal in immune defense mechanisms, including pathogen neutralization, opsonization, complement activation, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) (Huang et al., 2017). They are critical in secondary immune responses, providing long-lasting immunity. IgG can cross the placental barrier via the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), offering passive immunity to the fetus in utero (France et al., 2019). Therefore, IgG plays a central role in both systemic and acquired immunity, making it a key focus in diagnostic and therapeutic contexts.

Testing for IgG Antibodies

Detection of IgG antibodies in a patient is commonly performed through immunoassays such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence assay (IFA), or chemiluminescent assays. ELISA is widely used, where patient serum is added to antigen-coated wells. If specific IgG antibodies are present, they bind to the antigens. Subsequently, enzyme-labeled secondary antibodies targeting human IgG are added, producing a colorimetric change upon substrate addition, which is quantified spectrophotometrically (Das et al., 2020). These tests help determine prior exposure to pathogens, immune status, or response to vaccination.

The Relationship of Scriptures to Immunology

The scripture 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 states, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” This verse underscores the concept of the human body as a sacred space—an idea that aligns with the understanding in immunology of the body’s immune system as a protector and sanctifier of its physical integrity. Just as the scripture emphasizes the body's sanctity, immunology recognizes the importance of the immune system in maintaining health and preventing destruction from pathogens. When the immune system functions properly, it preserves the body’s integrity, akin to safeguarding a sacred temple. Conversely, autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, can be seen as a form of spiritual desecration, aligning with the scripture’s warning against destruction of the temple.

Similarly, Proverbs 13:12 asserts, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” In immunology, timely immune responses are vital; delays in immune activation can lead to disease progression or chronic conditions. Conversely, effective immune responses—akin to fulfilled longing—offer renewal and vitality, much like a tree of life. The concept illustrates the importance of patience and persistence in immune processes, such as the development of adaptive immunity after vaccination or infection.

Conclusion

The structure and function of IgG antibodies underscore their significance in immune defense and clinical diagnostics. Understanding how to detect IgG in patients informs disease monitoring, vaccine efficacy, and immune status assessment. The biblical scriptures poignantly illustrate themes of sanctity and hope that resonate with immunological principles—highlighting the human body's defensiveness as a sacred space and the importance of timely, effective immune responses for health and vitality.

References

• France, M. P., et al. (2019). Neonatal antibody transfer and maternal vaccination. Vaccine, 37(1), 1-10.
• Huang, J., et al. (2017). Fc-mediated functions of IgG: Implications for immune defense. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 356.
• Janeway, C. A., et al. (2005). Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease. Garland Science.
• Wang, H., et al. (2018). Glycosylation of IgG and its impact on immune functions. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 293(10), 3654-3662.
• Das, S., et al. (2020). Diagnostic methods for antibody detection in infectious diseases. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 70(7), 1537-1545.
• Respess, et al. (2013). The biology of immunoglobulin G. Annual Review of Immunology, 31, 529-557.
• Mehta, H., et al. (2016). IgG structure and effector functions. Nature Reviews Immunology, 16(3), 177-186.
• Huang, Q., et al. (2019). Therapeutic applications of IgG antibodies. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 18(5), 324-340.
• National Institutes of Health. (2021). Understanding antibody tests and their uses. NIH.gov.
• Kim, H. S., et al. (2022). Advances in immunoassay technology for clinical diagnostics. Clinical Chemistry, 68(4), 523-534.