TY - JOUR
T1 - IgE isotype determination
T2 - ε-germline gene transcription, DNA recombination and b-cell differentiation
AU - Gould, Hannah J.
AU - Beavil, Rebecca L.
AU - Vercelli, Donata
PY - 2000
Y1 - 2000
N2 - Immunoglobulin class switching is the process which determines whether a B-cell secretes antibodies of the IgM, IgG, IgA or IgE class (or isotype). IgE is the antibody that mediates the allergic response by sensitising mast cells to allergens at the mucosal barrier. Class switching proceeds by three successive steps, culminating in the synthesis and secretion of antibody: these are germline gene transcription, DNA recombination and B-cell differentiation. We review here the present state of knowledge concerning the mechanisms involved in each of these steps, with particular reference to IgE. Intervention in the mechanisms that specify the selection of IgE may offer a means to combat allergy.
AB - Immunoglobulin class switching is the process which determines whether a B-cell secretes antibodies of the IgM, IgG, IgA or IgE class (or isotype). IgE is the antibody that mediates the allergic response by sensitising mast cells to allergens at the mucosal barrier. Class switching proceeds by three successive steps, culminating in the synthesis and secretion of antibody: these are germline gene transcription, DNA recombination and B-cell differentiation. We review here the present state of knowledge concerning the mechanisms involved in each of these steps, with particular reference to IgE. Intervention in the mechanisms that specify the selection of IgE may offer a means to combat allergy.
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U2 - 10.1258/0007142001903599
DO - 10.1258/0007142001903599
M3 - Review article
C2 - 11359628
SN - 0007-1420
VL - 56
SP - 908
EP - 924
JO - British Medical Bulletin
JF - British Medical Bulletin
IS - 4
ER -