The importance of IgE and the uses of Anti-IgE

Abstract

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is key to the development of allergic disorders, such as allergic asthma. Given this centrality, for many years, manipulation of the elements of the immune system that are linked to IgE function has been a desirable goal in the treatment of asthma and other allergic disorders. Systemic IgE levels are raised in the majority of allergic asthma sufferers, once age adjustment has been performed. The patient becomes sensitised to an allergen when specific IgE (sIgE) is formed to epitopes found on inhaled allergens such as house dust mite, pollen, animal dander, fungi or cockroaches. Food allergens may also be relevant, especially in children. Anti-IgE treatment leads to reductions in the number of IgE receptors on the membrane of effector cells. High levels of IgE increase the expression of the FcεRI, as well as the FcεRII, receptor, and lowering IgE through therapy means the receptors will also decrease. Membrane-bound IgE can stimulate the CD79A plus CD79B (also called IgA and IgB) molecules, which cause B lymphocytes to proliferate and form plasmacytes. In this chapter, the importance of IgE and the uses of anti-IgE are presented.