title: IgE and inflammatory cells: the cellular networks in allergy.
abstract: The expression by macrophages, eosinophils, and platelets of IgE receptors (Fc epsilon RII) confers on these cells, present or recruited at the site of allergen challenge, a direct role in the development of adverse allergic reactions. The IgE-dependent activation of macrophages, eosinophils, and platelets is moreover inhibited by antiallergic drugs such as disodium cromoglycate or nedocromil. This network of IgE-dependent effector cells is controlled by immunoregulatory pathways which can be target of desensitization therapy. Contrary to their deleterious role in allergic disorders, IgE- and Fc epsilon RII-bearing cells play a decisive role in the immune defense against helminth parasites, therefore pointing to a dualistic function of IgE.
authors.affiliation: Centre d'Immunologie et de Biologie Parasitaire, Unité Mixte INSERM U167-CNRS 624, Institut Pasteur, Lille, France.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Dessaint
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Capron
mesh_terms: D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / Q000502:physiology; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000502:physiology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D015539:Platelet Activation; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000502:physiology; D017455:Receptors, IgE
chemical_list: D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D011961:Receptors, Fc; D017455:Receptors, IgE; D007073:Immunoglobulin E