ABSTRACT
Immunoglobulins (Igs) (antibodies) are highly complex and variable proteins, generated by the humoral immune system to a vast array of antigens. The humoral immune system is a fl exible system of synthesis utilizing basic peptide segments with multiple variations. Perturbations can occur at many and various points causing formation of aberrant peptides and proteins. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE), due to its ability to separate proteins by isoelectric point and molecular size, is a high-resolution method predestined for investigation of complex questions. It allows clear separation of Ig chains and classes, and thus is well suited for the study of Ig patterns in various body fl uids and in different conditions (physiological or pathological) for research and diagnostic purposes.
