Antibodies themselves are not inherited as ready-made molecules in the traditional sense, but rather their structure and the potential to create them with specific characteristics are determined by inherited genes.
The Genetic Basis of Antibody Inheritance
The process by which humans produce a vast array of antibodies is complex, but the fundamental blueprint for their structure is passed down through generations via our genetic code. You don't inherit specific antibodies that fight your parents' past infections; instead, you inherit the genetic instructions needed to build your own antibodies when encountering pathogens.
Role of the Ig Germline Locus
Based on genetic information, antibodies inherit their structure from the genetic Ig germline locus. This refers to specific regions on chromosomes that contain gene segments encoding different parts of the antibody structure. These inherited gene segments serve as the raw material from which antibody diversity is later generated within immune cells during a person's lifetime.
Genetic Predisposition and Antibody Effectiveness
The inherited genetic predispositions in the Ig germline locus directly influence the exact physical structure of the antibody that an individual's body can potentially produce. Variations in these inherited genes can lead to differences in the resulting antibody structures. This explains why, as the reference states, one patient may develop much more effective antibodies than another, even if infected with the same virus at the same time. Their inherited genetic makeup provides a different foundation for building antibodies, impacting their potential binding strength and ability to neutralize threats.
In summary, the inheritance of antibodies pertains to the inheritance of the genetic instructions (the Ig germline locus) that dictate the fundamental structure and potential variation of the antibodies a person's immune system can produce throughout their life.
