© 2007 the European Respiratory Society
The rationale for treating allergic asthma with anti-IgECORRESPONDENCE: E. Hamelmann, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Dept of Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany. Fax: 49 30450559951. E-mail: eckard.hamelmann{at}charite.de
An estimated two-thirds of asthma is allergic and >50% of severe asthma has an allergic component. An increased immunoglobulin (Ig)E production in response to environmental allergens (atopy) is the strongest detectable predisposing factor for the development of asthma, particularly when sensitisation occurs early in life.
IgE binds to high-affinity receptors (Fc
The anti-inflammatory effects of omalizumab provide proof-of-concept of the key role played by immunoglobulin E in allergic respiratory disease. Omalizumab represents a novel approach to the treatment of asthma, inhibiting the inflammatory cascade before it starts.
KEYWORDS: Airway inflammation, allergic asthma, anti-immunoglobulin E, immune modulation, monoclonal antibody, omalizumab
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