Immunoglobulin A

Immuglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody that plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity. IgA is considered the first line for defense against infection.

It is the main immunoglobulin found in mucous secretions including the gastrointestinal tract.

Chronic fatigue syndrome
A study of 128 ME/CFS patients found significantly increased IgA response to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from the cell walls of commensal bacteria. Increased IgA response was associated with increased serum IL-1, TNFα, neopterin and elastase. The study concluded that increased translocation of commensal bacteria may be responsible for the disease activity in some ME/CFS patients.

Another study found elevated serum concentrations of both IgA and IgM to LPS of gram-negative bacteria. Serum IgA levels correlated with illness severity as measured by the FibroFatigue scale

Learn more

 * Immunoglobulin A - British Society for Immunologists