Self-reactive IgE and anti-IgE therapy in autoimmune diseases

Growing evidence indicates the pathogenic role of autoreactive IgE in autoimmune diseases. Incidence of autoimmune and allergic diseases in the industrialized countries is consistently icreasing, thus leading to concerted efforts to comprehend the regulation of IgE-mediated mechanisms. The first reports of a presence of IgE autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune diseases have been published a long time ago, and it is now recognized that self-reactive IgE can mediate inflammatory response in bullous pemhigoid, systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic urticaria, and atopic dermatitis. The advances in understanding the pathomechanisms of these disorders brought to a successful use of anti-IgE strategies in their management. The present review discusses the current state of knowledge on the IgE-mediated autoimmunity and anti-IgE treatment, and pave the way for further exploration of the subject.

Automated summary

Growing evidence suggests the pathogenic role of autoreactive IgE in autoimmune diseases. The incidence of autoimmune and allergic diseases in industrialized countries is consistently increasing, leading to efforts to understand the regulation of IgE-mediated mechanisms. Autoantibodies of IgE have been found in patients with autoimmune diseases, and it is now known that self-reactive IgE can cause inflammatory response in several conditions. Understanding these mechanisms has led to the successful use of anti-IgE strategies in managing these disorders. This review discusses the current knowledge on IgE-mediated autoimmunity and anti-IgE treatment, and paves the way for further exploration.