Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 12, 2025

Characterization of Thymus-dependent and Thymus-independent Immunoglobulin Isotype Responses in Mice Using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay
Published on: September 7, 2018
Tertiary lymphoid structure related B-cell IgE isotype switching and secondary lymphoid organ linked IgE production
Dmitrii Borisovich Chudakov1, Dmitrii Yuryevich Ryasantsev2, Daria Sergeevna Tsaregorotseva3
1Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of RAS, 117997, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow, Russia. boris-chudakov@yandex.ru.
Background:
Numerous data obtained by different research laboratories indicate that specific IgE production is triggered independently of specific IgG or IgA ones and so it is not linked to fully matured germinal centers formation in the secondary lymphoid organs. The aim of this study was to clarify whether specific IgE production is triggered by low antigen doses administrated in tertiary tissues enriched by lymphoid structures.
Methods:
Ovalbumin (OVA) in different doses (100 ng to 10 μg) was administrated three times a week for 4-5 weeks intraperitoneally (i.p.) or subcutaneously (s.c.) to female BALB/c mice in the wither region which is enriched in fat-associated lymphoid clusters or in the foot pad region not containing them.
Results:
OVA-specific IgE was predominantly induced by low but not high antigen doses and only after immunization into the withers. IgE isotype switching was triggered exclusively in the withers adipose tissue but not in the regional lymph nodes while mature IgE expressing cells were observed both in the withers and lymph nodes. Anti-proliferative genotoxic stress inducing drugs shifted the balance from IgG1 towards IgE production.
Conclusions:
Tertiary lymphoid structures possess unique environment where B-cell antibody isotype switching to IgE predominantly occurs. This phenomenon is partially explained by hampered proliferation of B-cells in these structures.
Related Concept Videos
Antibody Structure
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...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
Antibody Structure and Classes
The basic structure of an antibody consists of four protein chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds and other non-covalent interactions, forming a Y-shaped structure.

