IgAimmuunikompleksit

IgAimmuunikompleksit, also known as immune complexes, are aggregates formed when antibodies bind to antigens. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. Antigens are the specific molecules on these foreign substances that antibodies recognize. When an antibody binds to its corresponding antigen, it forms an immune complex. These complexes are a normal part of the immune response and serve to mark pathogens for clearance by other immune cells, such as phagocytes.

The formation and clearance of immune complexes are crucial for maintaining health. In a healthy individual, these complexes are typically efficiently cleared from the circulation by specialized cells of the reticuloendothelial system. However, if immune complexes are formed in excessive amounts, or if their clearance is impaired, they can deposit in various tissues. This deposition can trigger inflammatory responses, leading to tissue damage and contributing to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Examples include lupus nephritis, a common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, and certain types of vasculitis. The study of IgAimmuunikompleksit is therefore important for understanding both normal immune function and the mechanisms underlying immune-mediated diseases.