Indicator Explainer
IgG3
Along with the immunoglobulin G4 subclass (IgG4), the IgG3 subtype makes up a minor part of circulating antibodies in healthy individuals. The core hinge sequence contains approximately four times the number of amino acids as the other subclasses; allotypes of IgG3 can have up to 62 hinge residues and up to four interchain disulfide bonds. The increased hinge size for IgG3 increases the separation between the Fc (constant fragment) tail and Fab (antigen binding fragment) arms of antibodies of this subclass. This enhances the relative flexibility of the molecule, which may modulate antigen-binding capacity and immune complex formation, and may increase the affinity for binding to both Fc receptors and complement component C1q.
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C201277. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-20. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.