[The IgE system]

Abstract

The IgE synthesis is regulated by a system of immunocompetent cells (B and T lymphocytes) and cytokines (IL-4, IFN gamma, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6) produced by T cells as a response to antigenic stimuli. IL-4 alone, or associated with other cytokines, determines the CD23+ receptor (FCERII) expression on monocytes-macrophages, eosinophiles, platelets, epidermidis Langerhans cells and B lymphocytes surfaces, inducing its cleavage in a Soluble Factor (IgE-BF), that increases the IgE synthesis. IFN-gamma, on the other hand, plays an inhibitory role on T-dependent phenomena, IL-4-mediated. In patients affected by atopic diseases, associated with oculorhinites, dermatitis and hyper-IgE syndrome, are found high serum levels of IgE, eosinophiles, and a large number of CD23+ cells: this indicates the hyper-reactivity of the IgE system and the IL-4 overproduction.