title: IgE isotype determination: epsilon-germline gene transcription, DNA recombination and B-cell differentiation.
abstract: Immunoglobulin class switching is the process which determines whether a B-cell secretes antibodies of the IgM, IgG, IgA or IgE class (or isotype). IgE is the antibody that mediates the allergic response by sensitising mast cells to allergens at the mucosal barrier. Class switching proceeds by three successive steps, culminating in the synthesis and secretion of antibody: these are germline gene transcription, DNA recombination and B-cell differentiation. We review here the present state of knowledge concerning the mechanisms involved in each of these steps, with particular reference to IgE. Intervention in the mechanisms that specify the selection of IgE may offer a means to combat allergy.
authors.affiliation: Randall Centre for Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Function, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK.
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Beavil
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vercelli
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D017578:Immunoglobulin Class Switching; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology*; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes / Q000032:analysis*; D007139:Immunoglobulin epsilon-Chains / Q000235:genetics*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes; D007139:Immunoglobulin epsilon-Chains; D007073:Immunoglobulin E