88 Food Antigen IgE with potential blocking antibody IgG4 - DBS

Overview:

Various Antibodies and Their Meaning

IgE (immunoglobulin E) allergies are the immediate responses to a foreign substance that has entered the body via food or inhalation. IgE allergies can cause very serious symptoms like difficulty in breathing, swelling, and hives. In more serious cases, IgE reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock. Our test measures the blood level of IgE, one of the five subclasses of antibodies. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that attack antigens such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens.
They can become confused or cross-reactive and begin attacking foods instead. High titers of IgE are associated with allergic reactions, which is when the immune system overreacts to environmental antigens such as pollen, pet dander, and/or parasitic infections.
 
IGG4 (IMMUNOGLOBULIN G SUBTYPE 4): is another antibody produced in the body to fight infection.  Desensitization injections, or allergy therapies, increase IgG4 to help neutralize the reaction of IgE. This is because of its potential to decrease histamine responses by blocking IgE from attaching to receptors, causing degranulation. Levels of IgG4 are beneficial up to a point, as they block IgE or allergic reactions and result in immune tolerance to
foods.  

Too much IgG4 causes immune-mediated conditions, known as IgG4-RD that typically a?ects multiple organ systems in the body. For these reasons, it's important to know the levels of IgG4 in the body to be able to maintain a correct balance. An example of a tissue that is susceptible to higher levels of IgG4 is the esophagus, resulting in Eosinophilic Esophagitis. IgG4 also interferes with the thyroid, contributing to autoimmune thyroiditis, and can also cause IgG4- Related Diseases (IgG4-RD) of the ovaries and prostate.