Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Undetectable IgE association with noninfectious complications of common variable immune deficiency
Susanna J D'Silva1, James Patrie2, Emily Noonan3
1Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Background:
Undetectable IgE levels are a frequent feature of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). However, not much is known regarding the role of IgE levels as a prognostic factor in patients with CVID.
Objective:
To evaluate whether undetectable IgE levels would be associated with higher risk of noninfectious complications of CVID.
Methods:
We compared clinical and laboratory outcomes in 60 patients with CVID with detectable IgE and 89 patients with CVID with undetectable IgE.
Results:
Undetectable IgE was associated with significantly lower IgG, IgM, and IgA concentrations. In addition, these patients had significantly lower numbers of CD4+ T cells, total B cells, plasmablasts, and reduced memory and especially switch memory B cells, but no difference in CD21low B cells. Undetectable IgE was associated with a significantly higher frequency of autoimmune cytopenias and lymphoma and trends toward higher relative frequencies of serious bacterial infections and granulomatous disease.
Conclusion:
Undetectable IgE is a readily available biomarker that in a patient with CVID may direct clinicians to be particularly vigilant for noninfectious complications of CVID.
Related Concept Videos
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and...
Allergic Drug Reactions
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...
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...

