IgA

noun

ˌī-(ˌ)jē-ˈā 

1

: a class of immunoglobulins including antibodies found in external bodily secretions (such as saliva, tears, and sweat)

2

: an antibody of the class IgA

Examples of IgA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vertex Pharmaceuticals — Vertex Pharmaceuticals shares advanced more than 6% after the biotech company said its drug met its goals in a late-stage trial for IgA nephropathy, a chronic condition that can lead to kidney failure. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026

The tests that can confirm an IgA nephropathy diagnosis are a urine test, blood test, and liver biopsy. — Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 13 Jan. 2026

Key Takeaways IgA nephropathy is diagnosed through a combination of clinical findings, urine and blood tests, and a renal (kidney) biopsy. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 12 Jan. 2026

To stop an infection completely, vaccines would need to create more of a different type of antibody, called IgA antibodies, that lives in these mucosal tissues and could block the viruses from getting a foothold there. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026

In July of 2015, Taylor was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease known as IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease also known as Berger's disease. — CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025

These included cholesterol levels, blood sugar, blood pressure and inflammation markers, and immunoglobulin A (IgA). — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 Nov. 2025

Probiotics in miso can also stimulate the production of secretory IgA, an antibody that strengthens the gut lining and acts as a first line of defense against potentially harmful germs, like certain bacteria and viruses. — Lauren Manaker, SELF, 18 Nov. 2025

Most cases of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy are sporadic (or idiopathic), occurring over time for reasons experts don't fully understand. — Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

immunoglobulin

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

IgA

noun

ˌī-ˌjē-ˈā 

1

: a class of immunoglobulins that include antibodies found in external bodily secretions (as saliva, tears, and sweat)

2

: an immunoglobulin of the class IgA