IgA deficiency and Mannose-binding lectin
The Immune System: A Double-edged Sword in Our Health Journey
Hi there,
The immune system is our body's protector from the constant assault from bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It involves two main components: the innate (non-specific) immunity and the adaptive (specific) immunity. Both are essential for survival - defending against pathogens, initiating healing of injuries, and fighting against cancer.
Our immune system is highly diverse, and genetic variants in immune system genes are very common. This genetic diversity helps increase the overall resiliency of the human species by ensuring that some individuals can resist certain diseases and infections. The diversity also provides an survival advantage by allowing the immune system to adapt to new or emerging pathogens more effectively.
However, these genetic differences can sometimes contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases and other immune-related disorders, which then vary in prevalence among different ancestry groups.
The two articles featured below are on two different components of your innate immune system.
IgA is the most commonly produced antibody, and it is secreted in the mucosa to bind to pathogens. Low levels of IgA are the most common type of immunodeficiency, and genetics plays a role here.
Mannose-binding lectin is another part of the innate immune system, targeting pathogens such as common bacteria that cause pneumonia. Deficiency of mannose-binding lectin is somewhat common and driven by genetic variants. While deficiency may increase susceptibility to ear infections and respiratory infections, there are tradeoffs with protection against kidney disease.
Every time I dig into research on immune system genes I'm struck by the tradeoffs: a variant that protects better against a pathogen may increase the risk of allergies or autoimmunity. We are all unique, and understanding our genetic strengths and susceptibilities is important.
Wishing you continued health and wellness,
Debbie
Low IgA and Selective IgA Deficiency
Key takeaways:
~ Selective IgA deficiency is found in approximately 1% of the population
~ The majority of people with IgA deficiency have no symptoms, but it can increase the risk of intestinal or respiratory infections, as well as allergies.
~ IgA deficiency can be (partly) genetic, or it can be due to other causes such as medications or autoimmunity.
Mannose-Binding Lectin Deficiency
Updated article:
The body has many ways to fight off different pathogens. You may be quite familiar with some pathogen-fighters, such as antibodies or T-cells, but the lectin pathway and mannose-binding lectin is a part of the immune system that is not as well known.
Mannose-binding lectin, also known as mannose-binding protein or mannan binding protein, is involved in the body’s innate defense against infections. Find out how genetic variants in this system increase your susceptibility to specific pathogens.