Immunoglobulin E

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody (or immunoglobulin (Ig) "isoform"), a protein complex 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). IgE is thought to be an important part of the immune response against infection by certain parasitic worms, including Schistosoma mansoni, Trichinella spiralis, and Fasciola hepatica. IgE is also utilized during immune defense against certain protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum. IgE may have evolved as a defense to protect against venoms. IgE also has an essential role in type I hypersensitivity, which manifests in various allergic diseases, such as allergic asthma, most types of sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and specific types of chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis. IgE also plays a pivotal role in responses to allergens, such as anaphylactic reactions to drugs, bee stings, and antigen preparations used in desensitization immunotherapy. IgE is typically the least abundant isotype: blood serum IgE levels in a non-atopic individual are less than 0.0001% of the total Ig concentration, compared to 75% for the IgGs at 10 mg/ml. Despite this, it is capable of triggering anaphylaxis, one of the most rapid and severe immunological reactions.