Natural IgE production in the absence of MHC Class II cognate help

Immunity. 2006 Mar;24(3):329-39. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2006.01.013.

Abstract

IgE induction by parasites and allergens is antigen driven and cognate T cell help dependent. We demonstrate that spontaneously produced IgE in T cell-deficient and germ-free wild-type (wt) mice is composed of natural specificities and induced by a mechanism independent of MHC class II (MHC II) cognate help. This does not require secondary lymphoid structures or germinal center formation, although some bystander T cell-derived IL-4 is necessary. The pathway of spontaneous IgE production is not inhibited by regulatory T cells and increases with age to constitute significant serum concentrations, even in naive animals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / biosynthesis
  • B-Lymphocytes / physiology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / physiology*
  • Immunoglobulin E / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-4 / physiology
  • Mast Cells / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / physiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Interleukin-4
  • Immunoglobulin E