Reactivity to IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factor is due to monomeric IgE

Abstract
IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factor (HRF) can distinguish between IgE+ and IgE-. In contrast to IgE-, IgE+ sensitizes basophils to release histamine in response to HRF. But we do not know what particular feature distinguishes IgE+ from IgE-. The objective was to investigate the hypothesis that IgE+ is polymeric IgE. IgE+ plasma was separated by size-exclusion chromatography. The basophil-sensitizing capacity of the fractions was analyzed in response to HRF produced by mononuclear cells. We showed that monomeric IgE sensitized basophils to release histamine in response to HRF and to house-dust mite, whereas no enhanced reactivity was found in the fractions containing polymeric IgE. HRF reacts with monomeric IgE, and not (exclusively) with polymeric IgE.

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