PIGR
PIGR (polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, poly-Ig receptor) is an immunoglobulin superfamily protein that binds polymeric immunoglobulins at the basolateral surface of epithelial cells and carries them across the cell for secretion at the apical surface. Browse Assay Genie's current range of PIGR research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
PIGR is the receptor responsible for moving polymeric immunoglobulin molecules across epithelial cells. The poly-Ig receptor binds its ligands at the basolateral surface of the epithelial cell, and the resulting complex is transported across the cell and secreted at the apical surface. This transcytosis route delivers immunoglobulins to the mucosal lumen.
Once secreted, the protein contributes to mucosal defence. Through its N-linked glycans, it anchors secretory IgA (sIgA) molecules to the mucus lining the epithelial surface, which helps neutralise extracellular pathogens. In its free form, PIGR may also act as a non-specific microbial scavenger, preventing pathogens from interacting with epithelial cells. UniProt lists its subcellular locations as the cell membrane and secreted.
The PIGR gene encodes a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and belongs to the HGNC gene group of V-set domain containing proteins. NCBI Gene reports a significant association between immunoglobulin A nephropathy and several single nucleotide polymorphisms in this gene. Orthologous Pigr genes are found in mouse and rat, which allows the biology of the receptor to be studied in rodent models.
PIGR underlies the delivery of secretory IgA to mucus at epithelial surfaces, making it central to studies of mucosal defence against pathogens.
The receptor moves polymeric immunoglobulins from the basolateral to the apical surface, providing a model for transport across epithelial cells.
SNPs in the PIGR gene are significantly associated with immunoglobulin A nephropathy, supporting genetic and disease-mechanism research.
Free PIGR may act as a non-specific microbial scavenger, so it is relevant to work on how pathogens are kept from epithelial cells.
PIGR binds polymeric immunoglobulins at the basolateral surface of epithelial cells and transports them across the cell for secretion at the apical surface. Its N-linked glycans then anchor secretory IgA to mucus, helping to neutralise extracellular pathogens at the epithelial surface.
PIGR stands for polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, also written poly-Ig receptor. UniProt records both a cell membrane form and a secreted form. The free secreted form may act as a non-specific microbial scavenger. No other aliases are listed in the HGNC record.
Mouse and rat both carry an orthologous Pigr gene. In humans, NCBI Gene reports a significant association between several SNPs in PIGR and immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other immunoglobulin superfamily members and mucosal immunity targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P01833; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.