Inter-receptor relationships in effector cell triggering, with particular reference to the mast cell.
The role of IgE antibodies in the initiation of allergen induced release of mediators from sensitised mast cells is discussed; both from the point of view of their binding to the high affinity Fc(epsilon)RI receptor and in their provision of a triggering signal, resultant upon the cross-linking of cell bound IgE molecules by specific antigen (allergen). A possible inter-relationship between the Fc(epsilon)RI and a low affinity receptor for the IgG4 isotype on human mast cells is considered, in the light of evidence that the two types of receptor could be acting synergistically in certain clinical allergy situations (e.g. atopic eczema). It is suggested that a similar juxta-positioning of Fc(gamma 4)RII and Fc(epsilon)RI receptors on human B-lymphocytes might provide scope for regulation of IgE synthesis by IgG4 auto-antibodies directed against this immunoglobulin isotype.
Stanworth
D R
DR
Department of Immunology, University of Birmingham, U.K.
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000276:immunology*; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000276:immunology*; D017455:Receptors, IgE; D017452:Receptors, IgG
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011961:Receptors, Fc; D017455:Receptors, IgE; D017452:Receptors, IgG; D007073:Immunoglobulin E