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Rethinking Th2 antibody responses and allergic sensitization.
Debra Stern1, Waltraud Eder, Gina Tebow
1Arizona Respiratory Center and Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Novartis Foundation Symposium
|March 18, 2004
Summary
Human Th2 cytokines drive sequential antibody switching. Allergen-specific IgG4 and IgE responses in children reveal distinct allergic phenotypes, impacting asthma and hay fever prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Human Th2 cytokines (interleukins 4 and 13) mediate sequential antibody switching.
- The regulation and pathogenic role of IgG4 in allergy remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate allergen-specific IgE and IgG4 expression in European children.
- To correlate antibody responses with allergic phenotypes like asthma and hay fever.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of allergen-specific IgE and IgG4 in 493 children from non-farming families.
- Comparison of antibody profiles with clinical data on allergic conditions.
Main Results:
- Most children exhibited Th2-mediated IgG4 and/or IgE responses.
- Two-thirds had IgG4 without IgE; a minority had both.
- High IgG4 and IgE levels correlated with increased asthma and hay fever prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Observed antibody patterns suggest stages of in vivo Th2-dependent sequential switching from IgG4 to IgE.
- These findings may necessitate a redefinition of allergen sensitization concepts.
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