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Selective suppression of IgE antibody responsiveness by maternal influence

Nature volume 280, pages 145–147 (1979)Cite this article

Abstract

IMMUNOGLOBULIN E antibodies are produced in two circumstances: by all normal animals in infections with helminth parasites1,2, and by certain individuals against common environmental substances3. In these latter ‘atopic’ individuals, immediate hypersensitivity reactions mediated by IgE are responsible for various disorders, which in man include hay fever, allergic asthma and allergies to foods and drugs. It is known that the antibody response of the young animal may be reduced or enhanced by maternal immunisation4–9. We have examined the antibody response of rats immunised with egg albumin (EA) and show here that both these effects can occur together: suppression of the IgE antibody response may occur against a background of enhanced total antibody responsiveness in the offspring of immunised mothers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Veterinary Hospital, Bearsden Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, UK

    ELLEN JARRETT & ELIZABETH HALL

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  1. ELLEN JARRETT
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  2. ELIZABETH HALL
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JARRETT, E., HALL, E. Selective suppression of IgE antibody responsiveness by maternal influence. Nature 280, 145–147 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1038/280145a0

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