Cellular basis of the non-specific potentiation of the immunoglobulin E response after helminth parasite infection.

Helminth parasites induce a substantial increase in the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) by the host after infection. Only a portion of the IgE antibody produced is specific for parasite-derived antigens since production of IgE antibody to non-parasite-derived antigens is also stimulated after infection. Investigators have recently observed, in the parasite-infected host, the appearance of both T and B lymphocytes that synthesize lymphokines that affect the production of IgE in vitro. The results of some of these studies will be reviewed presently, and the possible role of lymphokines in the increase of IgE production after helminth infection will be discussed.