Regulation of IgE synthesis: The molecular basis and implications for clinical modulation

The reagenic antibody in the sera of atopic individuals, first described by Prausnitz and Kustner and later determined to be Immunoglobulin (Ig) E by the Ishizakas, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseas e. Investigation into the cellular basis of IgE regulation has provided imp ortant insights into a disease process that affects up to 30% of the popula tion worldwide. Over the last decade, the molecular events regulating IgE s ynthesis have been actively investigated. In this review, we will discuss t he various components of this system including the cells, cytokines, signal transduction events, and molecular mechanisms that participate in human Ig E synthesis and explore rational therapeutic approaches directed at the mod ulation of these systems.