immunoglobulin A

immunoglobulin A

[‚im·yə·nō‚gläb·yə·lən ′ā]

(immunology)

A class of immunoglobulins that inhibits the binding of microorganisms to mucosal surfaces; large amounts are found in breast milk, saliva, and gastrointestinal secretions. Abbreviated IgA.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.