IgD – monomer attached to the surface of B cells, important in B cell activation
IgM – pentamer released by plasma cells during the primary immune response
IgG – monomer that is the most abundant and diverse antibody in primary and secondary response; crosses the placenta and confers passive immunity
IgA – dimer that helps prevent attachment of pathogens to epithelial cell surfaces
IgE – monomer that binds to mast cells and basophils, causing histamine release when activated