The genetics and epidemiology of N- and O-immunoglobulin A glycomics

Immunoglobulin (Ig) glycosylation modulates the immune response and plays a critical role in ageing and diseases. Studies have mainly focused on IgG glycosylation, and little is known about the genetics and epidemiology of IgA glycosylation. We generated, using a novel liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method, the first large-scale IgA glycomics dataset in serum from 2423 twins, encompassing 71 N- and O-glycan species….Our study delineates the genetic landscape of IgA glycosylation and provides novel potential functional links with the aetiology of complex immune diseases, including genetic factors involved in IgA nephropathy risk.