Immunoglobulin D (IgD)

Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is an antibody isotype that makes up about 1% of proteins in the plasma membranes of immature B-lymphocytes where it is usually coexpressed with another cell surface antibody called IgM. IgD is also produced in a secreted form that is found in very small amounts in blood serum. Secreted IgD is produced as a monomeric antibody with two heavy chains of the delta (delta) class, and two Ig light chains. IgD's function has always been a puzzle in immunology since its discovery in 1964. IgD was recently found to be present in species from cartilaginous fish to human (probably with the exception of birds) Reference. This nearly ubiquitous appearance in species with an adaptive immune system demonstrates that IgD is as ancient as IgM and suggests the notion that IgD has important immunological functions.