positive regulation of isotype switching to IgA isotypes

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of isotype switching to IgA isotypes. [GOC:jid]

Positive regulation of isotype switching to IgA isotypes is a complex process that involves multiple signaling pathways and transcription factors. It begins with the activation of B cells by antigen, which triggers the expression of the activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) enzyme. AID is responsible for initiating the process of class switch recombination (CSR), which allows B cells to switch from expressing IgM and IgD to other antibody isotypes like IgA, IgG, or IgE.

The switch to IgA production is primarily controlled by the cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and the transcription factor NF-κB. TGF-beta is produced by a variety of cells, including T cells, dendritic cells, and epithelial cells. It binds to its receptor on B cells, triggering a signaling cascade that ultimately leads to the expression of the germline transcripts for the IgA constant region genes. These transcripts contain switch regions that are recognized by AID.

AID introduces double-stranded breaks into the switch regions, and these breaks are then repaired by a process called non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). NHEJ joins the switch regions together, deleting the intervening DNA and bringing the IgA constant region genes into proximity with the variable region genes. This process results in the production of IgA-secreting plasma cells.

In addition to TGF-beta, other cytokines can also influence the switch to IgA. For example, interleukin-10 (IL-10) promotes IgA class switching in mucosal tissues, while interleukin-4 (IL-4) can suppress IgA switching.

The regulation of IgA class switching is critical for mucosal immunity. IgA antibodies are the primary immunoglobulin found in mucosal secretions, such as saliva, tears, and breast milk. They play a crucial role in protecting the body from pathogens that enter through mucosal surfaces. IgA can neutralize pathogens, prevent their attachment to epithelial cells, and promote their clearance from the body.'
"

Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)