Glossary

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Immunglobulins (Ig), also: IgE Antibodies

Specialised proteins used by the immune system to fight off pathogens

Antibodies are produced to enable the immune system to recognise and fend off pathogens. They mark the intruding pathogens so that other cells (e.g. macrophages, “killer cells”) can render them harmless.

These antibodies ared immunoglobulins, a specialised class of proteins of variable structure and function. They are divided into five classes (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE), each of them containing further subclasses.

Class G immunoglobulins (IgG) make up the largest group of antibodies. They are first produced only three weeks after the onset of infection.

Class E immunoglobulins (IgE) are highly specialised antibodies produced in lymphatic tissue near breathing passages and near the digestive tract. Although they only make up 0.001 percent of antibodies, IgE immunoglobulins are involved in virtually every allergic reaction. IgE antibodies dock onto their respective allergen and stimulate the production of substances leading to inflammation. The subsequent immune over-reaction is known as an allergy.

Specialised IgE antibodies can be detected in the blood serum of individuals sensitive to the respective allergen.