Anti-IgA Heavy Chain / IGHA, clone MSVA-700R

Antibody in 1X PBS with 0.05% BSA, 0.05% sodium azide. Immunoglobulin alpha heavy chain (IGHA) is a major component of immunoglobulin A (IgA), the predominant antibody class involved in mucosal immunity. IGHA is encoded by the IGHA gene locus and forms the heavy chain of IgA immunoglobulins that are produced by differentiated B lymphocytes and plasma cells. Immunoglobulin A plays an essential role in immune defense at mucosal surfaces including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts, where it helps neutralize pathogens and toxins. The IGHA Antibody for IHC Clone MSVA-700R recognizes the alpha heavy chain of IgA and is commonly used for immunohistochemical detection of IgA-producing plasma cells in human tissues.IGHA antibody reagents are widely used in pathology and immunology research to identify plasma cell populations and to study humoral immune responses in lymphoid tissues and mucosal organs. IgA-producing plasma cells are commonly found in tissues such as tonsil, spleen, lymph node, and intestinal mucosa where they contribute to immune protection by secreting IgA antibodies that bind microbial antigens. Immunoglobulin A exists in two major subclasses, IgA1 and IgA2, which differ in their hinge regions and tissue distribution. Both subclasses contain the IGHA heavy chain and contribute to mucosal immune defense.IgA antibodies function by binding pathogens and preventing microbial attachment to epithelial surfaces, thereby limiting infection and colonization. Secretory IgA, the form commonly present in mucosal secretions, is transported across epithelial cells via the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor and released into mucosal fluids such as saliva, tears, and intestinal secretions. Because IgA antibodies are abundant in mucosal tissues, IGHA expression is strongly associated with plasma cell infiltration in lymphoid follicles and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue.Immunohistochemical detection of IGHA is frequently used in diagnostic pathology to characterize plasma cell populations and to evaluate immunoglobulin expression patterns in lymphoid and plasma cell disorders. Increased numbers of IgA-positive plasma cells may be observed in inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and certain hematologic malignancies involving B cell or plasma cell differentiation. An IGHA antibody therefore provides a useful tool for examining humoral immune responses and identifying IgA-producing plasma cells in tissue sections, particularly in studies focused on mucosal immunity and lymphoid tissue architecture.This antibody is also part of a broader collection of IHC antibodies validated by tissue microarray analysis, supporting consistent staining across normal and cancer tissues.