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Complement, IgE- and IgG4-antibodies in the diagnosis of atopic diseases
Insights
Complement (C) consumption by allergens varies between individuals, indicating atopy. This reactivity is independent of specific IgE or IgG4 antibodies, offering a distinct diagnostic marker for allergies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- Complement System
Background:
- Haemolytic complement (C) in human sera is consumed by common inhalant allergens.
- Individual variations in complement reactivity are characteristic of atopy.
- This phenomenon is not mediated by specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) or immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of complement reactivity as a diagnostic parameter for atopy.
- To differentiate complement-mediated allergic responses from those involving IgE and IgG4 antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of haemolytic complement consumption by common inhalant allergens.
- Analysis of individual serum complement reactivity.
- Comparison of complement reactivity with specific IgE and IgG4 antibody levels (e.g., via RAST) and clinical history.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in complement reactivity were observed among individual sera.
- Complement reactivity showed a better correlation with clinical history in some allergies (e.g., guinea pig allergy) compared to IgE or IgG4.
- While RAST tests were negative in about 50% of cases, complement reactivity remained a consistent indicator.
Conclusions:
- Complement reactivity is a valuable, distinct parameter for assessing atopy.
- It offers a diagnostic approach independent of specific IgE and IgG4 antibody detection.
- Complement testing may provide a more reliable correlation with clinical allergy symptoms in certain cases.
Abstract:
Haemolytic complement (C) in human sera is readily consumed by most of the common inhalant allergens. The reactivity of C among individual sera differs considerably and is a characteristic parameter for the condition of atopy. The phenomenon is not mediated by specific IgE or IgG4 antibodies. Whereas in groups of patilues (by RAST) are negative in about 50 percent of the cases, this is not so with regard to C-reactivity. In somes cases, especially in allergy to guinea pigs, correlation with the clinical history is better with IgG4 than with IgE antibodies. In other allergies, there is a close correlation between Ige and IgG4 antibodoes.