Human Secretory IgM: An Elusive Player in Mucosal Immunity

Eva Michaud; Carmelo Mastrandrea; Nicolas Rochereau; Stéphane Paul

doi:10.1016/j.it.2019.12.005

Human Secretory IgM: An Elusive Player in Mucosal Immunity

Trends Immunol. 2020 Feb;41(2):141-156. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2019.12.005. Epub 2020 Jan 9.

Authors

Eva Michaud¹, Carmelo Mastrandrea², Nicolas Rochereau¹, Stéphane Paul³

Affiliations

¹ GIMAP/EA3064, Université de Lyon, CIC 1408 Vaccinology, Saint-Etienne, France.
² LBTO/UMR1059, Université de Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France.
³ GIMAP/EA3064, Université de Lyon, CIC 1408 Vaccinology, Saint-Etienne, France. Electronic address: stephane.paul@chu-st-etienne.fr.

PMID: 31928913
DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2019.12.005

Abstract

Secretory IgMs (SIgMs) were amongst the first identified immunoglobulins. However, their importance was not fully understood and recent advances have shown they play a key role in establishing and promoting commensal gut tolerance in mice and humans. The true interactions between SIgMs and the microbiota remain controversial and we aim to consolidate current knowledge in this review. Through comprehensive examination of SIgMs and their corresponding B cell secretors in several different pathological immunological contexts, we review the presumed role of these molecules in gut tolerance, inflammatory bowel diseases, and lung immunity. As SIgMs harbor a mostly tolerogenic function, we posit that their inclusion in further immunological research is paramount.

Keywords: IgM; autoimmunity; microbiota; mucosal immunity; secretory; tolerance.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Immune Tolerance
Immunity, Mucosal* / immunology
Immunoglobulin M* / immunology
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / immunology
Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
Microbiota / immunology

Substances

Immunoglobulin M
secretory IgM