[Immunological reactions to tobacco (author's transl)]

Tobacco may act as an allergenic or immunogenic agent, the antigen being present in either leaves or smoke. It is capable of producing immediate hypersensitivity reactions with respiratory disorders or cardiovascular lesions through a mechanism involving interaction between basophils and IgE. It may also induce the production of IgG-type antibodies, the significance of which remains to be elucidated. Finally, tobacco interferes with cell-mediated (alveolar macrophages, lymphocytes) lung defense mechanisms in normal subjects or patients. Any interpretation of some pathological conditions associated with tobacco should take these immunological reactions into account.