[Biological characteristics of specific IgE for tetanus toxoid]

After antitetanus vaccination, besides the production of IgM/IgG, specific IgE also appear. However, notwithstanding the presence of these antibodies, hypersensitivity reactions almost never occur when reintroducing the vaccine. To explain this phenomenon, the in vitro basophil degranulation was studied, after stimulation with tetanus toxoid, under various experimental conditions. The results of these experiments suggested that, very likely, these specific IgE possess a low affinity for the basophil receptor.