A Genetic Marker of Human IgE Heavy Chains, Em(1)1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody was obtained that reacted with some IgE myeloma proteins and with all but a few normal sera. Family studies proved that a genetic marker of IgE had been detected. This allotype, called Em(1), segregates in association with certain Gm‐Am haplotypes. The available quantitative evidence warrants the conclusion that human IgE has genetic variants, but no subclasses. Samples from various populations of five continents, representative for the respective prevalent Gm‐Am haplotypes, were tested for Em(1). Em(1) was absent mainly in haplotypes carrying A2m(2) and G2m(n). These closely linked genes are located in a chromosomal region that comprises theγ2‐γ4‐ε‐α2CH genes. A hypothesis for the generation of Em(1) is given.