Comparison of IgE and IgG antibody responses of atopic individuals with sensitization to tree and grass pollens

Abstract

Sera of atopic individuals with predominant sensitization to either tree pollen (TAs) or tree and grass pollens (TGAs) as well as of nonatopic subjects (NAs) were analyzed for IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibodies specific for grass pollens allergens. Of 600 atopic individuals with serum IgE antibodies specific for birch pollen allergens, 54% also had serum IgE antibodies specific for grass pollen. The mean titers of IgG antibodies specific for grass pollen proteins were about 10 times higher in the sera of TGAs than those in the TAs and NAs. SDS-PAGE immunoblotting analysis of grass pollen proteins using sera of TGAs, TAs, and NAs with respect to the binding of these proteins with IgE and IgG antibodies in these sera exhibited a similar pattern of variation. Quantitation by enzyme immunoassay of the antibody binding to a recombination grass pollen allergen, rKBG8.3, further demonstrated the elevated IgG antibody levels in TGAs are mainly due to a broader range of specificities, and not to high specific binding to the individual protein. Statistically significant correlation was found between IgE and IgG4 antibodies specific for the Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) extract, but not for the isolated recombinant allergen. These results indicate that the grass pollens elicit a complex array of antibody specificities in both atopics and nonatopics, and that the profile of antibodies specific to the pollen extract and pure allergens differs, suggesting that single grass allergens may be inadequate for replacing grass pollen extracts for immunotherapy.

Maternal Influence on IgG Subclass Antibodies to Bet v 1 during the First 18 Months of Life as Detected with a Sensitive ELISA

“…35] antibodies to D.pteronyssinus are higher in atopic individu als, while the IgGI antibody titres arc similar to those found in nonatopics [34]. Furthermore, grass pollen specific IgG4 antibody titres are higher in atopic than nonatopic individu als [34][35][36], whereas the levels of IgGI antibodies have been reported to be similar [34] or higher [36], Higher IgG4 binding activity to cat dander have been reported in atopic as compared to nonatopic individuals [35]. In a recent Swedish study [37], Bet v 1-specific IgGI and lgG4 re sponses were detected by immunoblotting more frequently in birch pollen allergic than in normal individuals, support ing our findings in cord serum.…”

Cord blood levels of immunoglobulin G subclass antibodies to food and inhalant allergens in relation to maternal atopy and the development of atopic disease during the first 8 years of life

“…It has been reported, however, that the levels of IgG [ 20, 21] and IgG4 [ 22, 23] antibodies to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus are higher in atopic individuals, while the IgG1 antibody titres are similar to those found in nonatopic individuals [ 22]. Furthermore, grass pollen‐specific IgG4 antibody titres are higher in atopic than nonatopic individuals [ 22–24], whereas the levels of IgG1 antibodies have been reported to be similar [ 22] or higher [ 24]. Higher IgG4 binding activity to cat dander has also been reported in atopic as compared with nonatopic individuals [ 23].…”

Measurement of IgE and IgG4 antibodies against purified grass pollen allergens (Phl p 1, Phl p 2, Phl p 5 and Bet v 2) and natural extracts after short-term grass immunotherapy

“…In atopic individuals, persistent exposure to allergens, through either natural exposure or immunotherapy, leads to synthesis of both allergen‐specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies 1–3 . The proposed practice parameters for allergen immunotherapy, 4 established by representatives from both the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, do state that omission of clinically relevant allergens from therapeutic mixtures may decrease the effectiveness of immunotherapy, suggesting a more inclusive approach to the treatment of grass pollen allergy.…”

“…The rationale behind this approach is to cover the spectrum of grass pollen allergens as completely as possible. Previous studies 2 have indicated that the grass pollens elicit a complex array of antibody specificities in atopics and that the profile of antibodies specific to the pollen extract and pure allergens differs, suggesting that single grass allergen may be inadequate for replacing grass pollen extracts for immunotherapy. However, it was only recently that Van Ree et al 5 and Ball et al 6 showed that allergen extract administered with an adjuvant may induce immune reactions against extract components not recognized before treatment.…”