title: Immunoglobulin free light chains and mast cells: pivotal role in T-cell-mediated immune reactions?
abstract: Immunoglobulin (Ig) free light (L)-chains have long been considered as the meaningless remnants of a spillover in the regular Ig production by B cells. The recently discovered role for Ig free L-chains in mediating hypersensitivity-like responses sheds new light on their potential role in immune responses. Ig free L-chains can sensitize mast cells, such that a second encounter with the appropriate antigen results in mast-cell activation. The possible importance of this reaction for the induction of T-cell-mediated immune reactions, leading to contact sensitivity, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16/PO Box 80082, 3508TB Utrecht, The Netherlands. f.a.m.redegeld@pharm.uu.nl
authors.forename: Frank A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Redegeld
authors.forename: Frans P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Nijkamp
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology*; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D007147:Immunoglobulin Light Chains