The late asthmatic response to allergen challenge--Part II

The views on the pathogenetic and immunologic mechanisms presumably involved in the late asthmatic response (LAR) vary. Some investigators suggested the role of late hypersensitivity and IgG antibodies. Other authors assumed the role of the immediate hypersensitivity, mediated by IgE antibodies, with involvement of mast cells (and/or basophils). Another group of investigators assume that non-specific hyperreactivity could contribute to the development of the LAR. Finally, other investigators assumed that various combinations and modifications of established types of hypersensitivity mechanisms could be involved in the LAR. In the literature, there is a large quantity of various information, results, and hypotheses concerning the late asthmatic response which are, however, often controversial. The authors attempted to summarize the hypotheses and facts concerning LAR and to compare them with the results of their study in order to better understand LAR.