In vitro investigation of factors influencing IgE synthesis

Cytokines play an important role in the induction or inhibition of synthesis of the particular isotypes of immunoglobulin after antigenic stimulation. Studies of these effects in vivo require substantial amounts of reagents that are difficult and time-consuming to prepare. The present paper describes methods for immunization and in vitro culture that permit the investigation of effects of cytokines and anti-cytokines on a secondary, antigen-specific IgE response, using much lower quantities of materials than are required in vivo. The results are compared with those reported from in vivo studies.