Immunoglobulin heavy joining 1 (IGHJ1)

J region of the variable domain of immunoglobulin heavy chains that engages in the antigen recognition (PubMed:24600447). Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are membrane-bound or secreted glycoproteins made by B lymphocytes.

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