Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) from egg yolk: From molecular structures to medical applications

Abstract

IgG that is produced by mammalian species can be replaced by obtained immunoglobulin Y from egg yolk. The egg yolk of immunized chickens is a rich and inexpensive source of specific polyclonal antibodies. Chickens respond to conserved mammalian antigens better, IgY doesn’t react with rheumatoid factors, bacteria and mammalian FC receptors. It reduces false-positive cases. But, the major problem in isolation is removal of lipids, which are in high concentrations. Several methods could be used for isolation and purification of IgY from egg yolk such as water dilution and T-gel chromatography. IgY can be useful in immunodiagnosis and therapy.

Keywords

• immunoglobulin y
• isolation
• purification
• diagnosis
• therapy