[The role of IgE in allergic inflammation in asthma]

Our view on asthma has changed in the last decade placing great emphasis on chronic inflammation with underlies the clinical picture. Many different inflammatory cells are involved in asthma although the precise role of each cell type is not yet certain. Mast cells are important in initiating IgE-dependent acute bronchoconstrictor responses to allergen and other indirect stimuli. T-lymphocytes play important role in coordinating the inflammatory response through the release of specific patterns of cytokines. The role of these cytokines on IgE synthesis is discussed. Since the release of mediators in asthma is IgE-dependent, it seems possible to block the activation of IgE using blocking antibodies. Clinical studies in asthma show that these antibodies MAbE-25 have some inhibitory effect on allergen induced responses. Il-4 inhibitors could have a similar effect since IgE is dependent on IL-4.