Immunoglobulin heavy constant delta (IGHD)

Constant region of immunoglobulin heavy chains. Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are membrane-bound or secreted glycoproteins produced by B lymphocytes.

In the recognition phase of humoral immunity, the membrane-bound immunoglobulins serve as receptors that, upon binding of a specific antigen, activate the clonal expansion and differentiation of B lymphocytes to immunoglobulins-secreting plasma cells. Secreted immunoglobulins mediate the effector stage of humoral immunity, which causes the elimination of bound antigens (PubMed:22158414, PubMed:20176268).