title: The IgE response and atopy.
abstract: The relationship between atopy and immunoglobulin E (IgE) is discussed. The following conclusions/hypotheses are reached: 1. IgE is typical of, but not unique for atopy. 2. IgE is specific for atopy under conditions of marginal antigen presentation. 3. Under normal antigen stimulation conditions, i.e. conditions which lead to the formation of antibodies but not usually to that of IgE antibodies, the IgE-route of B-cell activation/differentiation is blocked, perhaps by interference with the biological activity of CD23 by IgE. 4. Under "strong" antigen stimulation the IgE blockade is circumvented, presumably via the production of excessive amounts of interleukin-4 (IL-4). 5. Cross-reactive priming in the gut might enhance the induction of IgE antibodies to inhalant allergens, according to the principle "IgE breeds IgE".
authors.affiliation: Central Laboratory of The Netherlands Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Amsterdam.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Aalberse
mesh_terms: D000918:Antibody Specificity; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000276:immunology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007073:Immunoglobulin E