Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor
Encyclopedia
Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor is a protein
that in humans is encoded by the PIGR gene
.
It is a Fc receptor
which facilitates the secretion of immunoglobulin A
and immunoglobulin M
.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that in humans is encoded by the PIGR gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
.
It is a Fc receptor
Fc receptor
An Fc receptor is a protein found on the surface of certain cells - including natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells - that contribute to the protective functions of the immune system....
which facilitates the secretion of immunoglobulin A
Immunoglobulin A
Immunoglobulin A is an antibody that plays a critical role in mucosal immunity. More IgA is produced in mucosal linings than all other types of antibody combined; between three and five grams are secreted into the intestinal lumen each day....
and immunoglobulin M
Immunoglobulin M
Immunoglobulin M, or IgM for short, is a basic antibody that is produced by B cells. It is the primary antibody against A and B antigens on red blood cells. IgM is by far the physically largest antibody in the human circulatory system...
.