Chicken immunoglobulin
Three immunoglobulin classes, analogues to the
mammalian immunoglobulin classes have been shown to
exist in chicken, IgA, IgM and IgY (IgG). The presence of
antibodies homologous to mammalian IgE and IgD has
also been proposed but has not been proven (Burns &
Maxwell, 1981; Chen et al., 1982). The molecular weights, morphology and immunoelectorophoretic
mobility of chicken IgA and IgM are similar to mammalian
IgA and IgM. IgY is the major low molecular weight serum
immunoglobulin in oviparous (egg laying) animals. The
overall structure of IgY is similar to mammalian IgG, with
two light (L) and two heavy chains.