Molecular and cellular targets of anti-IgE antibodies

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) was the last of the immunoglobulins discovered. It is present in very low amounts (nano- to micro-gram per ml range) in the serum of normal healthy individuals and normal laboratory mouse strains and has a very short half-life. This contrasts with the other immunoglobulin classes, which are present in much higher concentrations (micro- to milligram per ml range) and form a substantial component of serum proteins. Immunoglobulins play a role in homeostatic mechanisms and they represent the humoral arm of defence against pathogenic organisms. Since IgE antibodies play a key role in allergic disorders, a number of approaches to inhibit IgE antibody production are currently being explored. In the recent past the use of nonanaphylactic, humanized anti-IgE antibodies became a new therapeutic strategy for allergic diseases. The therapeutic rational beyond the idea derives from the ability of the anti-IgE antibodies to bind to the same domains on the IgE molecule that interact with the high-affinity IgE receptor, thereby interfering with the binding of IgE to this receptor without cross-linking the IgE on the receptor (nonanaphylactic anti-IgE antibodies). Treatment with anti-IgE antibodies leads primarily to a decrease in serum IgE levels. As a consequence thereof, the number of high-affinity IgE receptors on mast cells and basophils decreases, leading to a lower excitability of the effector cells reducing the release of inflammatory mediator such as histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Experimental studies in mice indicate that injection of some monoclonal anti-IgE antibodies also inhibited IgE production in vivo. The biological mechanism behind this reduction remains speculative. A possible explanation may be that these antibodies can also interact with membrane bound IgE on B cells, which could interfere the IgE production.