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Review
. 2010 Nov;10(11):778-86.
doi: 10.1038/nri2849. Epub 2010 Oct 15.

The importance of natural IgM: scavenger, protector and regulator

Michael R Ehrenstein  1 , Clare A Notley
Affiliations
Review

The importance of natural IgM: scavenger, protector and regulator

Michael R Ehrenstein et al. Nat Rev Immunol. 2010 Nov.

Abstract

The existence of IgM has been known for more than a century, but its importance in immunity and autoimmunity continues to emerge. Studies of mice deficient in secreted IgM have provided unexpected insights into its role in several diverse processes, from B cell survival to atherosclerosis, as well as in autoimmunity and protection against infection. Among the various distinct properties that underlie the functions of IgM, two stand out: its polyreactivity and its ability to facilitate the removal of apoptotic cells. In addition, new B cell-targeted therapies for the treatment of autoimmunity have been shown to cause a reduction in serum IgM, potentially disrupting the functions of this immunoregulatory molecule and increasing susceptibility to infection.

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