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The humoral response is mediated by antibodies, and the level of action in this response has been found to be dependent upon the degree of infestation by D. immitis. If the canine in question has a significant microfilarial infection, a large amount of the IgG1 antibody is observed. If there is no microfilarial infection, or the infection is very small, there may be no IgG1 circulating in the plasma (Simon et al., 2007).
The known functions of IgG1 are:
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| IgG1 antibodies are found in increasing numbers with more severe D. immitis infections (13). Permission pending from Mike Clark. www.path.cam.ac.uk/~mrc7/lectures/g1g4.jpeg |
Janeway et al. 2005. Immunobiology: the immune system in health and disease. 6th ed. New York: Garland Science.
Simon, F. and L.H. Kramer. 2007. Immunopathology of Dirofilaria immitis infection. Veterinary research communications 21:161-171.