Immunoglobulin heavy variable 1-18 (IGHV1-18)

Immunoglobulin heavy variable 1-18 (IGHV1-18) is a gene segment that encodes the variable region of the heavy chain of immunoglobulins (antibodies)[2][4]. The variable region is responsible for antigen binding and is generated through V(D)J recombination, which ensures the diversity of antibodies in the adaptive immune system[2][3]. This segment is part of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, which contains multiple variable, diversity, joining, and constant regions, with the variable regions determining the specificity for antigen recognition[1][3]. IGHV1-18 is therefore crucial for the adaptive immune response but does not act as a traditional therapeutic target (such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter)[2][4]. Variation in IGHV genes contributes to the diversity of antibody responses and may indirectly influence susceptibility to immune-related diseases, but IGHV1-18 is not a direct disease driver or therapeutic receptor[2][3][5].

Other names

Immunoglobulin heavy variable 1-18IGHV1-18IGHV118HV118