Description
The structure and biological functions of the IgG subclasses are briefly reviewed. The lack of internationally validated reference sera add to the technical difficulties in quantifying these proteins, which in turn makes it difficult to compare results between different laboratories. The evidence
correlating IgG subclass deficiency with susceptibility to infection is weak, leading to a growing scepticism on the use of measuring subclasses when screening for clinically significant immunodeficiency. Measuring specific antibody responses, if necessary after immunisation, is likely to be more useful.
