Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ Human serum-derived IgM may be used as a reference antigen, standard, blocking agent, or coating protein in a variety of immunoassays including ELISA, dot immunobinding, Western immunoblotting, immunodiffusion, and immunoelectrophoresis. Other applications include starting materials for the preparation of immunogens and solid phase immunoadsorbents._x000D_ Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies appear early in the course of infections. IgM antibodies are responsible for agglutination of red blood cells in mis-matched blood transfusions. The level of IgM may vary with the status of disease or infection._x000D_ IgM is a highly conserved antibody in vertebrates and is expressed early during immune response. It exists as a pentamer and is secreted by peritoneal B cells._x000D_ Mouse monoclonal clone MB-11 anti-Human IgM (μ-chain specific) antibody is specific for the μ-chain of human IgM as determined by an ELISA. It does not bind human IgG, IgA, or light chains._x000D_ Application_x000D_ Mouse monoclonal clone MB-11 anti-Human IgM (μ-chain specific) antibody may be used to identify and quantitate the level of human IgM in vitro and in human serum or other biological fluids by immunochemical or immunohistological techniques. Elisa assays were performed using alkaline phosphatase conjugated anti-human IgM to detect IgMs in phage supernatants and human sera at 1:1000 dilution._x000D_ Disclaimer_x000D_ Unless otherwise stated in our catalog or other company documentation accompanying the product(s), our products are intended for research use only and are not to be used for any other purpose, which includes but is not limited to, unauthorized commercial uses, in vitro diagnostic uses, ex vivo or in vivo therapeutic uses or any type of consumption or application to humans or animals._x000D_ Biochem/physiol Actions_x000D_ IgM plays a key role in the engulfing of apoptotic cells. A reduction in serum IgM levels leads to increased autoimmune response and higher risk for infections. IgM displays polyreactive and autoreactive functionality. It plays a key role in tissue homeostasis by mediating clearance of tissue based molecules.