Atopic and nonatopic IgE-mediated allergy: a new interpretation of old facts?
Coined 80 years ago, the term 'atopy' to designate a group of diseases associated with IgE and a hereditary background has raised many discussions. In particular, it is difficult to consider as part of an atopic syndrome cases of IgE-mediated allergies to isolated allergens without evidence of a familial inheritance. The postulate expressed in this essay is that in humans we are essentially dealing with an atopic IgE-mediated allergy, which is the equivalent of a genetically determined high IgE response, and with a nonatopic IgE-mediated allergy, which is the equivalent of a low IgE response in mammals and rodents.
de Weck
A L
AL
Gerimmun Foundation, Fribourg, Switzerland. aldeweck@bluewin.ch
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E