The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (III): the role of antibodies in canine atopic dermatitis

Although an important pathogenic role for I-E is established in the case of allergic asthma and rhinitis in man, its role in atopic dermatitis is less clear. There are many studies where allergists and immunologists have prov ided evidence in favour of such a role, whereas dermatologists are less tha n convinced. In dogs, however, there is an abundance of clinical evidence implying that atopic dermatitis is antigen driven, and recent studies suggest that there may be a role for IgE, not only in the effector pathway, but also in antige n capture. Although an I-G response often accompanies an IgE response in do gs with atopic dermatitis, there is little evidence in support of a pathoge nic role in respect of the former isotype. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. A ll rights reserved.