Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Antibody Binding Specificity for Kappa (Vκ) Light Chain-containing Human (IgM) Antibodies: Polysialic Acid (PSA) Attached to NCAM as a Case Study
11:10

Antibody Binding Specificity for Kappa (Vκ) Light Chain-containing Human (IgM) Antibodies: Polysialic Acid (PSA) Attached to NCAM as a Case Study

Published on: June 29, 2016

IgE: an immunoglobulin specialized in antigen capture?

G C Mudde1, T T Hansel, F C von Reijsen

  • 1Depts of Immuno-Dermatology, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research, Davos.

Immunology Today
|December 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) may facilitate antigen capture. This novel IgE function is supported by its unique serological responses and the distribution of its receptor (Fc epsilon RII/CD23) on APCs.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is traditionally associated with allergic responses.
  • Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are crucial for initiating adaptive immunity.
  • The low-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII, also known as CD23) is expressed on various immune cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a novel function for IgE in antigen capture by APCs.
  • To explore the role of IgE-Fc epsilon RII interactions in immune responses.
  • To discuss IgE's involvement in antigen binding prior to processing and presentation.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of existing literature on IgE, Fc epsilon RII, and APCs.
  • Analysis of the characteristics of IgE serological responses.
  • Examination of the distribution of Fc epsilon RII on different APC subsets.

Main Results:

  • IgE binding to Fc epsilon RII on APCs could enable antigen binding.
  • The unique features of IgE responses align with a role in antigen capture.
  • Fc epsilon RII distribution on APCs supports this proposed function.

Conclusions:

  • IgE may play a previously unrecognized role in facilitating antigen capture by APCs.
  • This function of IgE is consistent with its serological properties and receptor distribution.
  • The study discusses IgE's potential involvement with Langerhans cells, B cells, and follicular dendritic cells.

More Related Videos

Single-cell Screening Method for the Selection and Recovery of Antibodies with Desired Specificities from Enriched Human Memory B Cell Populations09:07

Single-cell Screening Method for the Selection and Recovery of Antibodies with Desired Specificities from Enriched Human Memory B Cell Populations

Published on: August 22, 2019

Detection of Neutralization-sensitive Epitopes in Antigens Displayed on Virus-Like Particle (VLP)-Based Vaccines Using a Capture Assay05:15

Detection of Neutralization-sensitive Epitopes in Antigens Displayed on Virus-Like Particle (VLP)-Based Vaccines Using a Capture Assay

Published on: February 10, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Antibody Structure01:10

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Antibody Structure01:10

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Immunoprecipitation01:20

Immunoprecipitation

Immunoprecipitation, or IP, is a widely used technique that employs protein-antibody interactions to isolate proteins or protein complexes in their native state for studying protein-protein interactions, quaternary structures, or supramolecular complexes. Various modifications of the technique, including chromatin IP, cross-linking IP, and fluorescence IP, are commonly used.
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
Chromatin immunoprecipitation, also known as ChIP, is used to study protein-DNA or...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Antibody Structure and Classes01:25

Antibody Structure and Classes

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are produced by B cells in response to foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. These proteins are critical for recognizing and neutralizing these substances, protecting the body from potential harm.
The basic structure of an antibody consists of four protein chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds and other non-covalent interactions, forming a Y-shaped structure.
Antibody Actions01:26

Antibody Actions

Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are critical players in the immune system's arsenal against invading pathogens. Produced by B cells and plasma cells, their primary role is to detect and bind to specific antigens, molecules found on the surface of pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Beyond antigen recognition, antibodies perform several vital functions that contribute to immune defense.
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...