The relationship of IgA and IgE deficiency

Studies of IgE deficiency and IgE levels in selective IgA deficiency and ataxia-telangiectasia are reviewed. Isolated IgE deficiency and combined IgE-IgA deficiency do not predispose individuals to recurrent respiratory tract disease. In contrast, IgA-deficient patients with normal or elevated levels of IgE frequently have recurrent respiratory infections. Although IgE deficiency and combined IgE-IgA deficiency occur frequently in ataxia-telangiectasia, these deficiences do not appear to play a primary role in the pathogenesis of sinopulmonary disease in these patients. These observations are discussed in relation to recent evidence concerning the regulation of the IgE-antibody response.