Avian egg antibodies: basic and potential applications

The existence of an IgG-like molecule in avian eggs, referred to as IgY, has been well documented, and extensive research has been carried out on its characterization, production and purification. Although it is the functional equivalent of mammalian IgG, themajor serum antibody found inmammals, IgY is structurally different, and has been found to exhibit several important differences when compared to mammalian antibodies, including its physico-chemical properties and immunological capabilities. Recently, considerable researchhas focussedon theuseof IgYas analternative tomammalianantibodies for severalapplications, including for immunotherapeutic applications, especially for the oral passive immunization against various bacteria and viruses. Much researchhas alsobeen carried out on the use of IgYas a replacement for IgGin various immunodiagnostic and immunoaffinity purificationpurposes.The use of IgYoffers several advantages over polyclonal antibodies produced inmammals, including providing amuchmore hygienic, cost efficient, convenient, humane and plentiful source of antigen-specific antibodies.