IgG1 antibodies to house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) and late asthmatic response

Thirteen asthmatic patients sensitive to mite were challenged by inhalation of an extract of mites (Dermatophagoides farinae). Seven showed dual bronchial reactions and 5 showed isolated immediate responses. No patient showed an isolated late reaction. Six of seven patients with dual reaction had higher IgG1 antibodies than the 5 patients with isolated immediate reaction when examined before the challenge. A similar result was obtained in terms of levels of immune complex. IgE, IgG4 and total IgG antibodies were not predictive for late reaction. These results suggest that there is a close correlation of the presence of high IgG1 antibodies with a propensity to develop late asthmatic responses. The meaning of this observation is discussed.