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Hyper-IgM Syndrome

To Switch or Not to Switch?

By Chaya Gopalan, William B. Kist

Hyper-IgM Syndrome


 

Abstract

Hyper-IgM syndrome is an X-linked genetic disorder more commonly affecting males than females. It is caused by the lack of heavy chain class-switching from IgM to other isotypes. Patients with hyper-IgM syndrome are susceptible to a variety of infections as demonstrated in this medical case study. Students are presented patient information, symptoms and a diagnosis that must be interpreted. The case was written for use with the team-based learning (TBL) format involving groups of 4-5 students per group, but it could also be completed as an individual project. The case is targeted to premedical/allied health advanced students and is appropriate for any immunology course at the undergraduate or graduate level in a biomedical science program, or health-related professional courses such as advanced physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, or histology and cytology.

   

Date Posted

10/27/2016

Overview

Objectives

  • Describe the basic structure of an antibody molecule and distinguish between the Fc and Fab regions.
  • List the sequential steps in B cell activation in response to an infection.
  • Identify and differentiate the various isotypes of antibodies.
  • Explain the mechanism and regulation of isotype switching, and why a specific type of isotype (such as IgG) is produced in a given situation instead of another (such as IgE).
  • Identify possible causes of isotype switching failure and the biological health consequences that may result.

Keywords

IgM; immunoglobulins; isotype switching; B lymphocyte; CD40; CD4+ T cell; immunoglobulin class switching; immunology

  

Subject Headings

Dental Medicine
Developmental Biology
Medicine (General)
Nursing
Pharmacy / Pharmacology
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division, Graduate, Professional (degree program), Clinical education

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion

 

 

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