Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

10:31
Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies
Published on: October 25, 2018
Genetic immunization for allergy immunotherapy
M Roman1, H Tighe, H L Spiegelberg
1Department of Allergy, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA.
Methods in Molecular Medicine
|March 5, 2011
Summary
Allergic disorders involve immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies driven by T helper type-2 (Th2) immune responses. These responses create a cycle that exacerbates allergies with continued allergen exposure.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Allergic disorders are linked to immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
- Enhanced T helper type-2 (Th2) responses to allergens are key drivers.
- Th2 responses involve CD4(+) T cells producing IL-4 and IL-5.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the mechanism behind allergic disorder exacerbation.
- To elucidate the role of Th2 responses and cytokines in allergy.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing literature on Th2 responses and allergic mechanisms.
- Analysis focuses on cytokine functions (IL-4, IL-5) and cell differentiation pathways.
Main Results:
- Th2 cytokines promote IgE production and Th2 cell differentiation.
- Th2 cytokines inhibit Th1 cell differentiation, reducing regulatory mechanisms.
- A positive feedback loop in Th2 responses contributes to allergic exacerbation.
Conclusions:
- The Th2 response to allergens creates a self-amplifying cycle.
- This cycle explains why continued allergen exposure worsens allergies in atopic individuals.
Related Concept Videos
Allergic Reactions
Overview
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
Antibody Structure
Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Cross-reactivity
Overview
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a technique where a gene is inserted into a person’s cells to prevent or treat a serious disease. The added gene may be a healthy version of the gene that is mutated in the patient, or it could be a different gene that inactivates or compensates for the patient’s disease-causing gene. For example, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme adenosine deaminase, a functioning version of the gene can be inserted. The...

