Pathology
Decreased or absent IgA, termed selective IgA deficiency, can be a clinically significant immunodeficiency.
Neisseria gonorrhœae (which causes gonorrhea), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type B all releases a protease which destroys IgA.
IgA nephropathy is caused by IgA deposits in the kidneys. It is not yet known why IgA deposits occur in this chronic disease. Some theories suggest an abnormality of the immune system results in these deposits.
Celiac disease involves IgA pathology due to the presence of IgA antiendomysial antibodies.
Read more about this topic: Immunoglobulin A
Famous quotes containing the word pathology:
“It is often said that Poland is a country where there is anti-semitism and no Jews, which is pathology in its purest state.”
—Bronislaw Geremek (b. 1932)