Should We Advance Our Understanding of Immunoglobulin E in Viral Immunity?

Abstract

Immunoglobulin E has been extensively studied in allergies and parasitic diseases. However, antigen-specific IgE has been identified as part of the humoral response to some viruses, including Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Human rhinovirus (HRV), Influenza, Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Dengue virus (DENV) and SARS-CoV-2. In this brief article, we have reviewed key aspects of IgE function and structure, and summarised the findings about this antibody in virus-specific immune response. To date, IgE effector mechanisms in the face of viruses have been almost unexplored through functional assays. We speculate on possible functionalities, such as neutralisation, cytotoxicity and immunopathology of viral diseases, and provide insights about gaps to fill in future research.