IgG

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the predominant antibody class in human serum, forming the bulk of circulating immunoglobulin and providing the principal humoral defense against pathogens and toxins. Each IgG molecule is a heterotetramer of two heavy and two light chains whose Fc region engages Fc gamma receptors on immune cells and the C1q component of complement, thereby coupling antigen recognition to phagocytosis, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and complement activation. IgG is the only antibody class that crosses the placenta via FcRn, conferring neonatal passive immunity, and its pH-dependent FcRn recycling underlies the long serum half-life exploited by therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and IVIG therapy.