What are the functions of IgG?

Functions of IgG

• IgG is the predominant type of antibody found in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal fluid, and lymph fluid. It acts as the primary defense mechanism in the acquired immune system, enhancing the body’s specific humoral response to pathogens present in extracellular fluids such as saliva, blood, and lymph. 
• It plays a critical role in protecting newborns during the first months of life. 
• Phagocytosis of IgG-coated particles is a crucial mechanism that cells use to deal with pathogenic microbes.
• Produced in a delayed response to an infection, IgG can be retained in the body for extended periods of time. This longevity of IgG in serum makes it valuable for passive immunization. 
• Prior infection of vaccination can be determined by detection of IgG in serum. 
• IgG serves an important function in the lower respiratory tract through its specific antibody activity against microbial agents or antigens.
• Its relative abundance in blood and body fluids and exceptional specificity toward antigens makes IgG a very useful antibody in labs where it is used extensively in clinical diagnostics and immunological research.