[IgE and respiratory disease].
BACKGROUND
IgE is known to provide the biological basis for allergy and immediate hypersensitivity. However, recent data provide some evidence that IgE responses are involved in other inflammatory processes apart from allergy, including several respiratory diseases.


BACKGROUND
IgE binds to mast cells and basophils but also to other inflammatory cells, which are involved in non-allergic processes. IgE has a role in antigen presentation and is implicated in a number of other immune mechanisms. In the airways, IgE plays an important role in bronchial hyperactivity, even in the absence of an allergen. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that IgE response is related not only to allergy but also to asthma symptoms, in the presence or absence of atopy, as well as exposure to cigarette smoke. IgE response is altered in several respiratory diseases including extrinsic and intrinsic asthma and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Since anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies are now available for administration to humans, a better understanding of the IgE response may allow the identification of novel therapeutic targets in the field of respiratory disease.
Girodet
P O
PO
Service des Maladies Respiratoires, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux2, INSERM E356, CHU de Bordeaux, France.
Casset
A
A
Magnan
A
A
de Blay
F
F
Chanez
P
P
Tunon De Lara
J M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001229:Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary / Q000276:immunology; D001249:Asthma / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D001980:Bronchi / Q000276:immunology; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000276:immunology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D007167:Immunotherapy; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000276:immunology; D011817:Rabbits; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012882:Skin Tests; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
D000485:Allergens; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007073:Immunoglobulin E