| Definition: |
A protein complex composed of two, three, or four monomeric IgA immunoglobulin complexes linked through both direct disulfide bonds and through disulfide binded monomers of J chain acting as a bridge. Each IgA monomer consists of two identical immunoglobulin heavy chains of an IgA isotype and two identical immunoglobulin light chains, held together by disulfide bonds. Dimeric IgA is sometimes complexed additionally with secretory component, and present in the extracellular space, in mucosal areas or other tissues, or circulating in the blood or lymph. |