Glossary
The state-of-the-art glossary for Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.
IgM
IgM in the glossary for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
The largest of several types of immunoglobulin (antibody) produced by vertebrates. The first antibody produced in response to initial antigen exposure.
IgM (immunoglobulin M) is the largest of several types of immunoglobulin (antibody) produced by vertebrates. It is the third most common serum immunoglobulin (Ig), and comprises approximately 10% of normal human serum Ig content. It predominates in primary immune responses to most antigens, and is the most efficient complement-fixing immunoglobulin. Serum IgM exists as a pentamer in mammals, and is also expressed on the plasma membrane of B lymphocytes as a monomer; in this form, it is a B-cell antigen receptor.
Glossary overview