Differences in titres of IgE, IgG4 and other IgG subclass anti-Der p 2 antibodies in allergic and non-allergic patients measured with recombinant allergen.

BACKGROUND

The mite allergens are recognized as major causes of allergic disease such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. The functions of allergen-specific IgG subclass antibodies are not defined.

OBJECTIVE

In order to clarify the relationship between IgE and IgG subclasses, we examined serum levels of the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 2 (Der p 2)-specific antibodies of IgE, IgG total and IgG subclasses in children with mite allergy.

METHODS

We prepared a recombinant Der p 2 fusion protein and examined serum levels of Der p 2 antigen-specific antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems developed in our laboratory using a recombinant Der p 2 as target antigen. Sera from 240 children with mite allergy and 25 controls were measured.

RESULTS

The serum levels of specific IgE and, to lesser degree, IgG4 were higher in allergic children than non-allergic controls, while in the levels of the other IgG subclasses there was no difference between the two groups. There was no correlation between levels of specific IgE and IgG4 or in those between specific IgG4 and other IgG subclasses.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that the induction of Der p 2-specific IgG4 in allergic diseases is independent to IgE as well as other IgG subclasses.