Localized immunoglobulin E expression in allergic rhinitis and nasal polyposis.
OBJECTIVE
This article reviews recent literature on local tissue identification of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in various sinonasal inflammatory conditions. Discussions of local IgE expression in allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, atopic and nonatopic sinonasal polyposis, and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis are included.


RESULTS
Increased levels of IgE and positive reactivity on nasal allergen provocation tests have been demonstrated in nasal lavage fluid of patients with negative systemic allergy testing. In addition, elevated levels of Alternaria alternata-specific IgE have been identified in nasal polyp patients; this is hypothesized as a contributory factor in the development of nasal polyposis. Further evidence supports the role of local IgE to Staphylococcus aureus superantigens in atopic and nonatopic nasal polyposis. Finally, local IgE specific for a range of antigens has been identified in sinus and inferior turbinate tissue in patients with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased levels of IgE have been identified in sinonasal tissues in allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, atopic and nonatopic sinonasal polyposis, and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. The ability to identify local tissue IgE in inflammatory sinonasal disease states may have significant diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Sarah K
SK
Wise
Chadwick N
CN
Ahn
Rodney J
RJ
Schlosser
D000528:Alternaria / Q000276:immunology; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000378:metabolism*; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D009299:Nasal Provocation Tests; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000276:immunology; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology; D014420:Turbinates / Q000276:immunology
D018089:Superantigens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E