Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is the main antibody found in birds, reptiles, lungfish, and is found in high quantities in hen-laid eggs. IgY is similar in structure and function to human IgG, which plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune response to pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Unlike the IgG, IgY is unable to bind Fc receptors on human cells or Rheumatoid (Rh) factor, therefore it does not trigger complement activation or adverse inflammation in humans. Due to the accessible, safe, and efficacious nature of avian IgY in treatment of human and animal disease, it becomes an attractive target of therapeutic endeavors in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical space.
The first and best supported Mechanism of Action is that Muno-IgY can bind bacteria that are free-floating on or around mucosal surfaces, in human hosts. Once several IgY antibodies have surrounded the bacteria or pathogen, they cannot interact with the host’s mucosa. This action stops the vital first step of infection - contact with host tissues and cells.
Another aspect of infection is the ability of some pathogens to move to new areas of the gut or other mucosal surfaces to start colonies wherever nutrients and space may be available. These specific motility molecules can be bound and sequestered by IgY, which in turn prevents the pathogen from traveling to meet resource requirements.
IgY has also been shown to bind pathogen-specific enzymes that are known to contribute to inflammatory pathways and tissue damage.
Are you looking for more information on how Muno-IgY antibodies function in the human microbiome? Download your copy of Mechanisms of Action at https://lnkd.in/gTkRHw-f
