Difference between revisions of "Immunoglobulin E"
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− | + | ==Overview== | |
− | + | [[Image:LH IgE.png|thumb|250px|right|'''IgE''']] | |
− | [[Image:LH IgE.png|thumb| | + | [[Image:IgE.jpg|thumb|right|250px|IgE - B. Catchpole, RVC 2008]] |
− | [[Image:IgE.jpg|thumb|right| | + | |
− | + | Commonly referred to as ''IgE''. | |
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+ | Unlike [[IgM]], [[IgG]] and [[IgA]], IgE does not function as a soluble antibody and is found in low levels in blood plasma. Like [[IgA]], it is produced by plasma cells and is mainly localised to mucosal surfaces. | ||
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==Structure== | ==Structure== | ||
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− | ''Note: Janeway <ref>{{citation|initiallast = Janeway|initialfirst = C.A|2last = Travers|2first = P|3last = Walport|3first = M|finallast = Shlomchik|finalfirst = M.J|year = 2005|title = Immunobiology: The immune system in health and disease|ed = 6th |city = New York|pub = Garland Science Publishing|range = 156-157}}</ref> states that IgE has no hinge region whereas Tizard <ref>{{citation|initiallast = Tizard|initialfirst = I.R|year = 2004|title = Veterinary Immunology: An Introduction|ed = 7th|city = Philadelphia|pub = Saunders|range = 148-149}}</ref> indicates that it does. | + | IgE is Y-shaped with heavy chain type ε, and exists as a monomer. |
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+ | ''Note: Janeway <ref>{{citation|initiallast = Janeway|initialfirst = C.A|2last = Travers|2first = P|3last = Walport|3first = M|finallast = Shlomchik|finalfirst = M.J|year = 2005|title = Immunobiology: The immune system in health and disease|ed = 6th |city = New York|pub = Garland Science Publishing|range = 156-157}}</ref> states that IgE has no hinge region whereas Tizard <ref>{{citation|initiallast = Tizard|initialfirst = I.R|year = 2004|title = Veterinary Immunology: An Introduction|ed = 7th|city = Philadelphia|pub = Saunders|range = 148-149}}</ref> indicates that it does.'' | ||
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==Production== | ==Production== | ||
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+ | It is produced when Th2 cells stimulate CD40 and produce Il-4 and Il-13, which causes B cell differentiation to plasma cells and class switching to IgE production. | ||
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==Function== | ==Function== | ||
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− | + | IgE triggers acute inflammation by binding to the FCεRI receptors on mast cells in the lamina propria and basophils, causing degranulation. It is involved in type I hypersensitivity reactions. Cross-linking of IgE molecules by antigens, triggers mast cell degranulation and an inflammatory response. IgE has considerable involvement in producing immunity to parasitic worms, particularly nematode parasites. It may mediate their expulsion or killing via mast cell activity, cytotoxic eosinophils, macrophages, and so on. | |
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==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
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[[Category:Immunoglobulins]] | [[Category:Immunoglobulins]] | ||
[[Category:Image Review]] | [[Category:Image Review]] | ||
− | [[Category:To Do - | + | [[Category:To Do - AimeeHicks]] |
Revision as of 14:43, 9 January 2011
Overview
Commonly referred to as IgE.
Unlike IgM, IgG and IgA, IgE does not function as a soluble antibody and is found in low levels in blood plasma. Like IgA, it is produced by plasma cells and is mainly localised to mucosal surfaces.
Structure
IgE is Y-shaped with heavy chain type ε, and exists as a monomer.
Note: Janeway [1] states that IgE has no hinge region whereas Tizard [2] indicates that it does.
Production
It is produced when Th2 cells stimulate CD40 and produce Il-4 and Il-13, which causes B cell differentiation to plasma cells and class switching to IgE production.
Function
IgE triggers acute inflammation by binding to the FCεRI receptors on mast cells in the lamina propria and basophils, causing degranulation. It is involved in type I hypersensitivity reactions. Cross-linking of IgE molecules by antigens, triggers mast cell degranulation and an inflammatory response. IgE has considerable involvement in producing immunity to parasitic worms, particularly nematode parasites. It may mediate their expulsion or killing via mast cell activity, cytotoxic eosinophils, macrophages, and so on.
References