[Clinico-immunologic aspects of IgG subclass deficiency]

Abstract

Serum IgG contains 4 subclasses, IgG1 (60-66%), IgG2 (20-30%), IgG3 (less than or equal to 5%) and IgG4. Individual subclasses vary with respect to their physicochemical and biological properties. IgG subclass concentrations in serum are age dependent. IgG1 and IgG3 reach near to adult levels around the age of 3, IgG2 and IgG4 after the age of 6. Antibodies of certain specificities generally belong to a certain isotype (subclass) due to the isotype restriction. Patients with subclass deficiencies often suffer from recurrent infections. Those with IgG2 deficiency coften occurring with IgA and IgG4 deficiency) develop recurrent infection of the upper and lower respiratory tract often caused by pyogenic microorganisms (Haemophilus, Pneumo-(occus). Since early initiation of IVIG substitution therapy has a beneficial effect on long term prognosis the importance of early diagnosis is apparent.