Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant immunoglobulin isotype secreted into the mucosal tissues, mainly intestinal mucus. Humans can produce several grams of IgA every day, accounting for three quarters of the body's total immunoglobulin content. IgA, together with mucus and antimicrobial peptides, forms the first line of defence for intestinal epithelial cells, protecting them from a significant number of intestinal antigens. IgA also plays a principal role in controlling the gut microbiota (GM), and disruption in IgA can result in dysbiosis, such as the enrichment of Proteobacteria, which are generally bound by IgA. Proteobacteria overexpansion is also usually seen in obesity and colitis. Consistent with this, IgA dysfunction frequently results in metabolic syndrome (MetS), including conditions such as obesity, adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. In contrast, enhanced IgA function can improve, and even prevent, MetS. Interactions among IgA, GM, and metabolism provide a promising avenue to combat MetS.
Keywords: Proteobacteria; gut microbiota; immunoglobulin A; metabolic syndrome.
© 2020 World Obesity Federation.