Loci associated with N-glycosylation of human immunoglobulin G show pleiotropy with autoimmune diseases and haematological cancers

Researchers studied 2,247 people from Croatia and examined their DNA and antibodies. They focused on immunoglobulin G, or IgG, a common antibody that helps the body fight infections. They measured glycosylation, meaning the small sugar chains attached to IgG, and looked for DNA regions linked with different sugar patterns. Some of these regions also appeared in studies of autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body, and blood cancers.

What this means for you: This study found shared genetic links, not proof that antibody sugars cause cancer or autoimmune disease. It does not support buying supplements or changing treatment based on IgG glycosylation.