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Gut has a backup system for IgA antibodies — Level A1 — two white plastic bottles on white table

Gut has a backup system for IgA antibodiesCEFR A1

18 Dec 2025

Adapted from Yale, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by Adrià Crehuet Cano, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
81 words
  • Scientists study how the gut defends the body every day.
  • The gut meets different food and microbes each day.
  • The immune system in the gut makes special antibodies.
  • These antibodies are called IgA and sit on the lining.
  • IgA forms a sticky barrier that traps germs.
  • Researchers found two different ways to make IgA in the gut.
  • Both ways make IgA that looks very similar.
  • This backup helps keep the gut safe from infections.
  • Scientists will study why both ways happen.

Difficult words

  • scientistA person who studies nature and experiments
    Scientists
  • microbeA very small living thing you cannot see
    microbes
  • immune systemBody parts that fight germs and illness
  • antibodyA protein the body makes to fight germs
    antibodies
  • liningThe inner surface of an organ or tube
  • barrierSomething that blocks or stops things moving
  • infectionWhen germs make a part of the body sick
    infections

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Do you eat different foods each day?
  • Have you ever had a gut infection?
  • Do you want to learn why the body makes antibodies?

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