[The discovery of IgE and its importance for allergologists]

During the 30 years that IgE has been known the knowledge about allergy has improved immensely. We have now available reliable procedures for allergy diagnosis, standardised allergen preparations for diagnosis and treatment, an improved knowledge about mechanisms behind allergy and tests to monitor the efficiency of therapeutic procedures. New sophisticated procedures for modulation of IgE function and production are waiting around the corner. However, despite this increase in our knowledge the prevalence of allergic diseases is still increasing. More efforts must be dedicated to the understanding why an atopic individual is sensitised and how this sensitisation can be avoided by primary prevention.