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Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody (or immunoglobulin (Ig) "isoform") that has been found only in mammals. IgE is synthesised by plasma cells. Monomers of IgE consist of two heavy chains (ε chain) and two light chains, with the ε chain containing four Ig-like constant domains (Cε1–Cε4). [1]
In type I hypersensitivity, B cells are stimulated (by CD4 + T h 2 cells) to produce IgE antibodies specific to an antigen. The difference between a normal infectious immune response and a type 1 hypersensitivity response is that in type 1 hypersensitivity, the antibody is IgE instead of IgA, IgG, or IgM.
These cytokines mediate the activation of type 2 T helper cells (T h 2 cells), type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2 cells), and dendritic cells. T h 2 cells and ILC2 cells secrete IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. [1] [3] IL-4 further drives CD4+ T cell differentiation towards the T h 2 subtype and induces isotype switching to IgE in B cells.
When immune cells encounter the allergenic protein, IgE antibodies are produced; this is similar to the immune system's reaction to foreign pathogens. The IgE antibodies identify the allergenic proteins as harmful and initiate the allergic reaction. The harmful proteins are those that do not break down due to the strong bonds of the protein.
An IgE level greater than 2,000 IU/mL is often considered diagnostic. [17] However, patients younger than 6 months of age may have very low to non-detectable IgE levels. Eosinophilia is also a common finding with greater than 90% of patients having eosinophil elevations greater than two standard deviations above the normal mean. [ 18 ]
Food intolerance is a detrimental reaction, often delayed, to a food, beverage, food additive, or compound found in foods that produces symptoms in one or more body organs and systems, but generally refers to reactions other than food allergy. Food hypersensitivity is used to refer broadly to both food intolerances and food allergies.
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That's why some people are only allergic to cat dander (they only have the IgE antibodies specific to cat dander); while others have allergic reactions to multiple allergens because they have many more types of IgE antibodies. [9] IgE-mediated food allergies is when the immune system reacts abnormally when exposed to one or more specific foods ...