What is normal immunoglobulin g?
Normal immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a type of antibody that is produced by the immune system in response to an infection or vaccination. It is the most abundant type of antibody in the blood, and it plays a vital role in protecting the body against disease.
IgG antibodies are produced by B cells, which are a type of white blood cell. When a B cell encounters an antigen, which is a foreign substance that the body recognizes as harmful, it produces antibodies that are specific to that antigen. IgG antibodies are able to bind to antigens and neutralize them, preventing them from causing disease.
IgG antibodies are also important for providing long-term immunity against disease. When a person is vaccinated, the vaccine introduces a weakened or killed form of the virus or bacteria that causes the disease. The immune system responds to the vaccine by producing IgG antibodies, which provide protection against future infection with the same disease.
Normal IgG levels in the blood vary depending on a person's age and health status. In adults, the normal range for IgG is 700-1600 mg/dL. IgG levels may be lower in children and the elderly, and they may also be lower in people with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or autoimmune disorders.
A low IgG level can make a person more susceptible to infection. Treatment for low IgG levels may involve receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy, which involves infusing purified IgG antibodies into the bloodstream.