This receptor binds polymeric IgA and IgM at the basolateral surface of epithelial cells. The complex is then transported across the cell to be secreted at the apical surface. During this process a cleavage occurs that separates the extracellular (known as the secretory component) from the transmembrane segment.
[1]Cloning and characterization of two forms of bovine polymeric immunoglobulin receptor cDNA.Kulseth M.A., Krajci P., Myklebost O., Rogne S. DNA Cell Biol. 14:251-256(1995) [2]Cloning and characterization of the bovine polymeric immunoglobulin recept