Assertion (A) : IgG is the first immunoglobulin produced during a primary immune response.
Reason (R) : IgM has a pentameric structure that allows efficient activation of the complement system.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
The primary immune response is initiated by the production of specific antibodies. Initially, B cells differentiate and produce predominantly IgM antibodies. This occurs because the gene segments encoding IgM are typically expressed before those encoding IgG.
Assertion (A) states that IgG is the first immunoglobulin produced. This is incorrect, as IgM precedes IgG in the primary response. IgG becomes the dominant antibody later in the primary response and is the main antibody in secondary responses.
Reason (R) focuses on the structure and function of IgM. IgM molecules typically exist as a pentamer, meaning five individual IgM units are linked together. This large, pentameric structure contains multiple binding sites for complement components.
Specifically, the pentameric form of IgM is highly efficient at binding the C1q component of the complement system. This facilitates the rapid and effective activation of the classical complement pathway, leading to pathogen lysis and inflammation.
Therefore, the statement that IgM's pentameric structure allows efficient complement activation is correct.